Firefighters are battling a massive fire at one of Australia’s two operating oil refineries.
The fire broke out just after 11 p.m. local time (1300 GMT/UTC) on Wednesday at Viva Energy Group’s refinery near Geelong in the Australian state of Victoria.
Fire Rescue Victoria said it responded to multiple reports of an explosion and fire at a refinery in the industrial suburb of Corio.
“The fire is not yet under control, however the plant is currently under control.” Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement Early Thursday morning local time.
It said the fire involved “liquid fuel and gases”.
It has asked people in Geelong and the surrounding area to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off heating and cooling systems.
About 300,000 people live in the port city, which is about an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
All refinery workers were cared for and no injuries were reported, Fire Rescue Victoria said.
Ronnie Hayden told Australia’s national broadcaster ABC that about 100 staff were working at the time. They all escaped safely, he said.
The Country Fire Authority lowered its danger warning on Thursday morning, saying “the fire is still being controlled by firefighters, but there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj told ABC Radio Melbourne the fire was “unprecedented” and would continue to burn for several more hours.
Australia has only two operating oil refineries
The Viva Energy Refinery in Geelong is one of two remaining refineries in Australia.
According to the refinery’s website, it supplies more than 50% of the fuel to Victoria and 10% to Australia.
According to the website, the refinery can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
Australia has faced fuel security concerns after Iran nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz.
It imports 90% of its refined fuel needs.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen told Australia’s Nine News that the fires would mainly impact petrol production.
“At this time, jet fuel and diesel production at the refinery is continuing at a reduced level for safety reasons as a precautionary measure,” he told the broadcaster Thursday morning local time.
He said it appeared to be an accident and the incident would be investigated.
The Geelong refinery supplies a large proportion of jet fuel to Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico