A significant fire has broken out at a major oil refinery in Victoria, Australia, with visible smoke extending over a considerable distance. The incident occurred at the Geelong Refinery in the Corio suburb around 11 pm local time. Emergency responders are actively working to contain the blaze at one of the nation’s two operational oil refineries.
Owned and operated by Viva Energy Australia, the Geelong Refinery plays a crucial role in supplying approximately 25% of Australia’s fuel. With over 1,100 employees, the facility is a vital source, providing more than half of Victoria’s fuel and about 10% of the nation’s fuel output.
Authorities have reported that the fire is still uncontrolled, as per updates on the VicEmergency website. Firefighting efforts involve at least 10 fire engines on the scene, as depicted in a video available on the VicEmergency website.
Local police were alerted to the blaze at 11 pm, prompting warnings for residents to remain indoors and keep windows closed due to the heavy smoke in the vicinity. The Geelong Refinery, known for handling significant amounts of flammable fuel, is classified as a “major hazard facility,” according to Viva Energy.
The refinery’s processing capacity can reach up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, producing various fuel products such as petrol, diesel, LPG, jet fuel, avgas, and low aromatic fuel. VicEmergency has issued a “Watch and Act” alert for multiple suburbs, including Corio, Norlane, North Geelong, and Newtown, due to the spreading smoke caused by a change in wind direction.
Images and videos show flames and dense smoke emanating from the Geelong Refinery, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The facility, initially established by Shell Australia in 1954 and later acquired by Vitol from Royal Dutch Shell, is now managed by Viva Energy in Corio, Victoria.
The incident underscores the importance of safe operations at such critical facilities, especially considering the potential risks associated with oil refinery operations.