A smoke advisory was issued Wednesday for areas near the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance due to an explosion and fire.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District advised residents who live near the refinery or who can see or smell smoke to avoid outdoor activity.
People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors, according to the AQMD.
The advisory was issued after a gas explosion Wednesday morning in a processing facility at the Exxon Mobil refinery injured four contractors, sent plumes of smoke and ash into the air and shocked residents who described rattling that felt like an earthquake.
Fourteen schools in Torrance were ordered to shelter in place because of air quality issues, according to Torrance School District spokeswoman Tammy Khan.
Josh Balbas, a junior at North High School, about eight blocks away from the refinery, heard two explosions.
"Windows kinda rattled," he said. "It was pretty scary. I looked out and saw a bunch of smoke."
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Jerrett Schuler, a parent of a North Hills High student, lives across the street from the refinery.
"My house shook, windows shook," he said. "When I went outside, I saw the structure in question engulfed."
