Fire at Viva Energy refinery in Geelong
Updated ,first published
An out-of-control fire continues to burn at the Geelong refinery, which supplies 50 per cent of Victoria’s fuel and 10 per cent of Australia’s fuel.
The fire at the Viva Energy Refinery in Corio broke out just after 11pm on Wednesday.
According to Viva’s website, emergency calls to fire officials reported explosions and flames at the refinery, which can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
Three hours later, toxic smoke from the fire was billowing towards the greater Geelong area as the wind changed and people were issued a warning to close their doors and windows and turn off their heating and cooling systems. As of 05.30, the warning area has decreased to three neighborhoods directly surrounding the fire and there is no threat to the public.
Speaking just before 7am, Fire Rescue Victoria deputy chief fire officer Mick McGuinness said about 50 fire trucks were battling the blaze at the Mogas plant section of the refinery, with some flames reaching up to 60 meters high.
He said the fire could burn for another three or four hours after firefighters managed to contain the fire in an area of about 100 feet by 100 feet.
“The fire is fueled primarily by various types of hydrocarbon fuels, so predominantly liquid oil (if you want to call it that) but also some gases and vapors,” McGuinness told ABC radio.
He said it was unclear how much fuel was left to keep the fire going because the refinery’s sensors were damaged.
Concerns now turn to what this fire will mean for Australia’s fuel supply during the ongoing global energy crisis; The refinery, owned by Viva Energy, is one of two refineries currently operating in Australia.
On Monday, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia’s fuel reserves were 38 days worth of petrol, 28 days of jet fuel and 31 days of diesel. This comes as the war in the Middle East continues to rage and US President Donald Trump this week blockaded the Strait of Hormuz to force oil ships through.
More than 1,100 people are employed in the refinery, which was built by Shell and dates back to 1954. No injuries were reported.
via Reuters
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