A February explosion and massive fire at a Martinez refinery happened because there were not enough number of contracted workers and insufficient training and supervision for those who were hired to do the work, according to the draft report submitted to the county’s health department by a consultant.

Contractors also exceeded the timing of a work permit, another reason the Feb. 1 blaze at the Martinez Refining Company began, according to the report. The refinery is located on Pacheco Avenue.

The fire sent a large plume of black smoke over Martinez, Pacheco and Clyde and released more than 7,000 gallons of hydrocarbon materials into the air, according to the company’s 30-day report that was submitted to the county in March. Nearby residents were ordered to shelter-in-place for more t

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