Fire on Decommissioning Oil Platform Off California Is Contained

A fire broke out Monday, May 11, 2026, on Platform Habitat, an inactive offshore oil platform about eight miles off Carpinteria in Southern California. All 26 workers were evacuated safely, and two reported minor injuries, officials said. The U.S. Coast Guard and local firefighting agencies responded.

Officials said the blaze started around 7 a.m. PT after a gas leak on the platform, which was undergoing decommissioning. Crews closed a safety valve to stop the flow of gas and limit the fire’s spread.

The fire was contained and the incident secured by about 11 a.m. PT, officials said. Authorities continued to assess the site for safety and environmental impacts.

Coast Guard set a 1,000-yard safety perimeter

Officials established a 1,000-yard perimeter around the platform while crews checked for hazards linked to the leak and fire. As of Monday afternoon, authorities said there was no immediate threat to the environment or the public.

Some workers later returned to the platform to carry out additional safety work, officials said. Response crews remained focused on ensuring the platform was stable and that the area around it was safe.

Platform Habitat has been inactive since its lease expired

Platform Habitat is owned and operated by DCOR LLC. It was built in 1981, and its lease to produce oil and gas expired in 2016.

The incident comes as officials continue monitoring offshore infrastructure in the region, with the Coast Guard and local agencies responsible for securing the area and assessing any potential environmental risk.

Authorities said they will continue evaluating the site and will provide updates if conditions change or additional hazards are identified.