newarkrefineryfireSM — Photo: Peter Jon Shuler, KQED

Update 10:30 a.m. We spoke to Newark Patch reporter Kris Vera-Phillips who was on the scene of that fire at Evergreen Oil in Newark. She says that the company has been cited for “10 leaks and odor spills in recent months, resulting in about $4,000 in fines.” Currently, officials report no environmental damage.

Audio: Kris Vera-Phillips of Newark Patch on this morning’s refinery fire[audio:http://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2011/03/NewarkFire.mp3]

Update 9:33 a.m. Newark Patch is updating the story…

City manager John Becker said the Evergreen Oil Refinery Plant, where a fire broke out last May, has been cited for 10 leaks and odor spills in recent months, resulting in about $4,000 in fines.

Becker was taken on a tour of the site, where he saw the charred remains of the fire that sent one employee to the hospital around 5:30 a.m. He said he was told the fire is unrelated to the May blaze.

Earlier post:

[ad fullwidth]

KQED’s Joshua Johnson reports:

Officials have transported one man to the hospital after a refinery fire in Newark, called in around 5:30 a.m. today.

Alameda Fire spokesman Aisha Knowles says the fire seems to have started after an equipment failure.

Fire crews have contained the blaze and are working with HAZMAT teams to make sure it’s safe for the workers to return.

Some residents reported hearing a loud noise — probably the sound of the fire igniting.

There are no air quality warnings in effect.

Fire at Oil Collection Company in Newark