A fire erupted at the Valero Benicia Refinery in California on Monday, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the air as firefighters raced to battle the inferno

BENICIA — Fire crews brought a fire at the Valero Benicia Refinery under control Monday morning after it broke out and left dark black smoke billowing downwind, authorities said.

A shelter-in-place was issued Monday morning after a fire at the Valero refinery in Benicia sent smoke blowing through the area. Benicia residents who are able to smell the smoke are being urged to stay inside and shut their doors and windows, a city alert sent at 9:31 a.m. stated.