A major oil refinery in Texas has reportedly caught fire after an explosion, which law enforcement officials said may have been caused by an industrial heater.
Emergency services rushed to the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, after nearby residents reported a loud explosion that rocked their homes.
Sheriff Zena Stephens said the explosion was likely caused by an “industrial heater,” local news outlet KFDM reported.
A shelter-in-place order was also reportedly issued for the west side of Port Arthur as thick black smoke from the fire filled the sky.
Valero explosion video:
Sheriff Stephens and Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso told KFDM News that all refinery workers were accounted for following the explosion that occurred around 6:30 pm (local time) on Monday.
Officials also said there were no reports of casualties so far.
“There is currently a fire at a unit at Valero’s refinery in Port Arthur, Texas,” said Carol Herbert, Valero Public Affairs Manager.
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The statement added: “All individuals have been accounted for. Valero’s emergency response teams are responding and coordinating with local authorities. As a precaution, Jefferson County officials have closed State Routes 82 and 87. As always, the safety of our workers is our top priority.”
Additionally, Sheriff Zena Stephens reportedly said there were no evacuations yet, adding that Valero was using water to extinguish the fire and was currently working to extinguish it.
Port Arthur Police Chief Duriso said he would deploy police at key intersections and allow people to resume travel once conditions are safe.
valero port arthur
Valero is the world’s largest independent refinery, with a capacity of 3.2 million barrels per day, according to its website.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Valero owns 15 refineries in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Valero is also a joint venture member of DGD, which produces low-carbon fuels at two plants near Valero’s refineries in St. Charles, Louisiana, and Port Arthur, Texas, according to the website.
