she had difficulty breathing. >>charles: the direction and the wind coming over the crest from the road hill behind is blowing it to the north-east above me. however i cannot see any smoke. it is dissipating and one to the north-east. >> catherine: okay, charles health workers are saying to stay away. they still have to get places but there is a lot of traffic fall out. three different bart stations closed. and dan kerman has video. >>dan: this is video the latest from you tube. this is from somebody driving by. they stopped and filmed. just shortly after this erupted. it is a bit jerky but you can see the bulk of those fires in the air. as they are driving. just thick, black smoke. a little bit lighter. you are looking at that orange sunset on their right. on the left, this is what looked as the driver was driving along and they saw the smoke in the air from the distance. as you know, catherine this is as far as even from san francisco. these plumes of smoke in the air. this is that video. we will send it back to you. collecting pictures and giving you the best of what we have. >> catherine: people are concerned and they're calling the news station and very concerned. people heard explosions. and just after 8:00 p.m. if you are just joining us an emergency at the chevron refinery and wrote richmond. there are still flames. and and this is-enrichmen in richmond. e are encouraged to follow the orders to stay inside and follow the order of shelter in place. we did hear there is one minor injury of a worker of a wrist burn.. there will be a news conference at 8:30 it is not clear why this started there is the possibility of a pump leak but people have reportedly heard explosions and have seen flames. huge plumes of smoke and all of this is happening at the chevron refinery in richmond. still not exactly clear on what happened. the last time chevron had a significant fire was 2007. this is a huge plant with 2,900 a. 1002 wandered employees and they are all accounted for. let us go back to grant lotus. >>grant: one of the main things we are following is the air quality. everything is concerned. i can tell you that the air quality management district has five air inspectors that are now on the scene. they are currently connecting air samples. they are going up, down and all of around to see just how healthy or harmful it is. as a result of this smoke. and the soot air quality has five inspectors that are collecting up wind, down wind and hopefully they will get some answers to exactly how safe is it is in this immediate area. catherine? >> catherine: many people are calling us and giving us and at update. we have a pleasant hill resident saying that there is smoke into his area, now. this is fairly significant. james fletcher will give us the latest. >>james: thank you, catherine the air right at the surface is okay for now because these calm winds are in place. however this live shot i wonder if that camera control was the smoke. let me point out that towards 8 pm id is sunset at 8:12 you can see that it is going to be sunset ones that sun goes down it is going to be more difficult to track that smoke. once that sun goes down it is going to be difficult. we will rely on our cages and the latest is that the wind was coming out of the south at only four m.p.h. and it is carrying at no.. as you know, the wind can vary. it is carrying the smoke to the east. that is why people near concord and pleasantville saw the oakland hills area reported smoke. and near martinez. the wind are expected to pick up even double in speed as pagoda towards midnight. is it gusting? as we -- go towards midnight. however we could expect gusting winds tomorrow with the emergency crews are racing against the clock for a variety of reasons. the want to get this shot down before the darkness and the wind picks up >> catherine: we want to let people know that the viewers people are welcome. some people have been sending your photographs. and we welcome the fact >>daria:we welcome mat and we wd reggie kumar is nearby. send us your photos @breakingnews @ kron4.com >>reporter: scenes i have been out here. different agencies since i've been out here are several different fire crews have been racing nearby. it is still in the active seen in an easterly direction of that smoke. so far, there is a light smoke coming out at this point. we did speak to chevron employees. they said they did not know what was happening but there were told to evacuate there is also a press conference right now. we have a reporter getting that information. and there is also a shelter in place. that north richmond resident came out to see what was going on and they heard three loud explosions. they were all very concerned. however nothing of this magnitude. there are concerns of the air quality. some were coughing, sneezing. they were sitting in their cars that is the latest from richmond. >> catherine: what are people doing right now. please remind us where you are and our people still stopping. they are not recommended to do that but what are they doing were you are? >> reggie some people are walking by to see what took place but there is not a lot of people out and about. perhaps they are heeding the shelter in place and staying indoors. you can see that white smoke. it is not as huge as it was, earlier. we can see those flames disappear. however traffic is still able to flow. and several fire to vehicles racing past this refinery. perhaps 15 minutes ago that could be a good sign or a bad sign but we do not know at this point. >> catherine: there are still flames and we can see that. where reggie kumar is standing and grant lotus has an update on what is happening with pa-- bart.. >> correct there has been in other bart station el cerrito plaza station and north berkeley it has been reopened. there have been to bart stations that are still closed because of this. two.. the richmond is closed and the immediate south is el cerrito norte remains closed. >> catherine: thank you, grant. we of mariana she is from richmond. did you see. >>caller: my husband was in the backyard. we are probably 2-3 mi. maximum from the refinery. he heard an explosion or a loud bang. what he did was that we were inside and we heard the alarm off from the refinery. it is normal for a wednesday but today is a monday. we close to the windows and we saw that big, black cloud. there were actually we heard putting a paper on the windows even though everything is closed we still have that certain odor coming in. it smells like chemicals. >> catherine: can you spell it now? >> yes it has still penetrated the house. right now, the alarm went off about 15 minutes ago. it is still a shelter in place but if soon as that gets out i want to bear out my house because the smell is in here. >> catherine: at issue know that water is still in place and you are now in the area and is still a bit intimidating to look out your front door and see this happening. >>caller: yes. we saw the big, black cloud and we took pictures. it was just right over our house. the entire neighborhood, many of our neighbors to the same thing. as you recommended, to secure any cracks. >> catherine: that is what i was going to just ask you if you can see the smoke, clouds? >>caller: yes. we can still see the clouds and we're not that far away. but there is not that much wind that is blowing it. >> catherine: mariana thank you so much. i wanted to mention that there is a news conference at 8:30 we could get more information we will be carrying dead, like. j.r. stone is out to there. what is the latest? >>j.r.: i am near the 580 right before you near get off the bridge. i can tell you that about 10 seconds i just saw another dump truck. as to what was inside of that a dump truck it was with that fire truck. there were entering the factory area. i have also seen a couple of trucks as i am looking right now i can see one, 2, 3, 4, 5 during trucks. there are fire trucks racing towards the refinery. however for a little bet it looked like things were slowing down. when i'm talking what things i am talking about the flames. however i can tell you that within the last time and that's i've been able to see more of that flame and black smoke. i noticed that sometimes that takes a while for them to put this out. now, we're starting to see that. not the 50, 60, 70 ft. flames that we saw earlier. however, still in the distance those thick plumes of smoke are near those homes in the distance. now they have gone over the hills that is what james mentioned, earlier. you can still see that sitting there in the distance. while the smoke is not as thick as it was. we are still overseeing those flames and those flames have even grown just a bit in the last five, 10 minutes. and judging from the last five fire trucks that entered it is likely to go into that area and help out. >> catherine: you are correct. we did not notice those flames but now perhaps getting bigger. there are working crews putting why her on the vegetation in the area. putting -- water on the vegetation that could have been caught fire and the reason for the recent trucks. that is one of probably many problems that they are dealing wet. some of that surrounding vegetation has caught fire and they're trying to keep a lid on that. and we wanted to let you know that there is a news conference at 8:30 dan kerman has more photos from yours. >>dan: yes we are getting several. on the left side. this was earlier. during daylight. this, you distinctively see the two different fires from the refinery. a close up. we can continue to see the fires and the flames on this one for a close-up shot. this was shortly after this broke out. look at that black smoke. this is another vantage point. with those clouds turning black. as those small, rises. we are continuing to get these and as that smoke rises this is from a different vantage point. you imagine that when they wanted to do is shelter in place. there has been a perspective with a dark sky and the sun setting and a very close up shop but a very dark scene. a close up-shot. and a couple of different shots of those fires burning. the black plumes and the fire.becoming vee getting more and we will encouraging you to bring you more of your photos. this live picture. >> catherine: thank you, dan. breaking news in a bucan be e- mailed to : breakingnews@kron4news.com >>grant: they are advising people to go outside and try to see where this big plume of smoke is coming. if they are shifting certainly stay tuned and we will keep you updated on where these winds are going just use common sense. if you see that large plume of smoke coming your way perhaps the winds have been shifting? and stay inside. but we just don't know at this point the danger of the air. just common sense is the suggestion from officials. look out your window and keep it at kron 4 james is tracking the wind. >>james: so far, we are seeing those mild wind speeds in the area. that is just how it is. they could possibly be picking up, later. and into tomorrow. they're not gusting at the moment. perhaps oscillated between a northern direction and to the east. it is impacting a larger area. there is a shoulder and place north. even reports of the san ramon valley from the worst of they have seen a shelter and placed orders coming on there. from richmond and shelter in place orders the overnight wind could be stronger. with the number one hour we will be approaching the sunset. and that will be compounding the problem. as we try to track those storms. air quality district is trying to find one the best times are able to release that shelter in place. >> catherine: thank you, james this has been interesting. we are seeing flames. j.r. stone is in the area. what is the latest? >>j.r.: about 10 minutes ago i did see those flames. there was arnot quite as much black smoke. that is the good news. james did mention those slower winds. i can perhaps say about 30 minutes ago that i was in my car for about 15 minutes. because of that strong smell. some of that soot and smoke in the distance. there are even horns that you can still hear in the distance. but this is a strong smell is extremely strong. what has gone up in the air from the refinery is still stubborn in the air. and it is still all around. we saw the fire trucks and for about 15 minutes ago. not quite as much activity beyond that. still some black smoke but not as much as it was about 10 minutes ago. as you look at this fire every five, 10 minutes. changes. but there are several things to keep in mind. as this started about 6:15-630. you could not even see the smoke. because there was so much black smoke. however we can see those smokestacks and the distance. even though there are flames i can even still see them into the distance. that was something i was not able to see about 20 minutes ago or when this started. it seems like it is getting better however that thick, black smoke is in the air. >> catherine: correct it seems like it is a constantly changing. subsiding and firing back up. the fact that there are a lot of neighborhoods and hillside neighborhoods in this area. this shelter in place is impacting a lot of people. and in terms of what is happening to those neighborhoods what are you seeing? >>j.r.: i am looking off into the north and to the hillside you can see thousands of homes. in one direction some of those were shaded. more of the sun was up and at one point the wind blew to the east. and now those were shaded and no since it is moved to the west. basically it has been a whirlwind. over some of those. lingering. although it is getting darker we do not see it as much as black smoke and soot in the air however we can still see that. if you've ever seen those old batman movies. that eerie dark feeling because of that darkness. you see that black as these alarms are still going off. let me touch on this one more time. i am able to see where i am standing i am able to see some of the water being sprayed mixed with the chemicals on the fire. that is something i was not able to see. now however, i can make out what is going on into the distance. definitely, not as smokey and the main section as it was at 6:15. >> catherine: thank you, jr and let us code to reggie kumar. he is right there. can you give was the latest? >> reggie: just in the last 5 minutes the sirens have been still alarming people in the area i am just outside of the refinery. that shelter in place is still in place. there is still a lot of smoke coming out of that refinery. and now even white smoke perhaps that is a good sign. >> catherine: yes. basically you are giving a front view that there is still plenty of smoke. and why it with the sirens now? perhaps they have been on and off? but you mentioned that you have just noticed them. >> reggie: they have spent been going off i would say at least every 45 minutes. it seems that it would be going off every 15 minutes but it is still a very active scene. i have just seen at the hercules fire department show up they of a called a another unit. >> catherine: what are people doing. is there much traffic? >>reporter: there are actually pretty clear conditions as far traffic. perhaps they are heeding those warnings aha. the air is a difficult to breed. i do have a slight headache. and coughing and it is difficult to --breath.. perhaps some of those employers have left the refinery. >> catherine: speaking of the impact of these effects, donna? let us go to j.r. stone but people have been cut calling us and we appreciate that. we will be getting to you when we can. >>j.r.: basically, from this location of one of the most interesting parts that i have seen in the last five minutes is that even since i got off the phone, where this fire is and still going on at this point. i can see the other side. i am not being blocked by smoke or fire. so deftly, they are making progress. definitely -- there is a glow in the air. but there are still flames and it is still going. on the other side. that is something that i am monitoring. just in the last two hours we have not been able to do that because of the smoke and flames were so intense. when we got here, the flames were 50, 60 ft. in the air but that is definitely not the scene now. i can see a low glow... however, as we continue to look through the air. hall effect is that black smoke? distilled lingering. how -- it is still lingering we can still see the brown. even though it might seem dissipating. it is getting a bit darker right now in comparison to what it was. i can still smell it in the air. that is what it looks like right now. it appears that. >> catherine: this just in to the kron 4 news room this chevron refinery in richmond with a significant flame reported at 6:15 minor injury burned on the wrist of an employee but still however that shelter in place is in effect. the air quality is a huge concern. we do not know what caused this but a news conference has been tentatively scheduled. they could perhaps give us some more information but james. >>james: the wind right now are calm winds right now only 40 m.p.h. from the south but that is expected to change, overnight that is why it is critical that this is capped. before these winds pick up. they are expected to double with 8-13 m.p.h. wind speed possible. tomorrow, we could see gusting winds of 18-20 m.p.h. through richmond. that is another factor on why they need to get this fixed as soon as possible. and also, if you can look outside of these sunshine has dissipated we're losing daylight that we have seen it to try to battle this. of course, once we enter into the darkness of night that smoke will disappear. we will just try to gauge it. and estimate on where it has gone. right now, that shelter in place is maintaining the east. however there are communities that are also watching this, carefully. there is no estimate on when the quick release these communities from that shelter in place when they-could release that community. when the air creequay could improve to lift that shelter in place. they are eating telling people eating tellingdamp cloths and towls in your windowsills. and shut your fireplace fluuu >>caller: this plume of smoke in my neighborhood is coming over the houses is a horrible stench. i had to go outside to find my cat i cannot imagine what richmond is going through. i am on the border of richmond and lafayette. >> catherine: but you are in your shelter in place. >>caller: that is correct i am inside with my air conditioning is off and it stinks so bad. >> catherine: we are trying to gauge what is happening and you are still noticing this inside the house? >>caller: yes because that is why i turned my air conditioning off. >> catherine: take this through. >>caller: i turned off my air conditioning. >> catherine: went to first to realize that there had been a fire at the refinery when did you first discover this? grant lotus has the latest and however donna indicated that she noticed that heavy smell inside her house. even though she followed the guidelines of the shelter in place. >>grant: that is correct it has been extended to el cerrito and still in effect for san palbo richmond and north richmond and oakland police and north oakland hills are advised that it is headed their way. the wind has been shifting. and it is difficult to predict where all of this smoke is going. it is not going in one definitive direction. as the wind is shifting, the advisory is being extended. the shelter in place is towards richmond, north richmon come san pablo and el cerrito and oalkland police are advising that smoke plume is headed their direction. >> catherine: just to go back to the bart stations there are two stations? >> correct the el cerrito and the richmond are closed. the el cerrito del norte is closed and the toll takers have indeed evacuated.. people are going to the cache line will not have to p