Oregon refinery fire extinguished

1/31/2013

An early morning fire at a refinery in Oregon has been contained, according to a spokesman with Toledo Refining Co. LLC. 

The fire in the refinery at 1819 Woodville Road was reported to have started around 11:50 p.m. Wednesday. An explosion occurred in the refinery's Fluid Catalytic Converter Unit, causing the fire in question to spread. Fluid Catalytic Converter Units are major producing units that convert petroleum crude oils into gasoline, ethylene, and other products while on a continuous 24-hour-a-day cycle. 

Oregon Fire crews responded at 12:04 a.m. today to assist refinery personnel with containment of the fire, extinguishing the blaze at 12:15 a.m. At least nine Oregon emergency responder vehicles were reported to be on the scene of the incident. 

All employees in the refinery were accounted for and reported to be safe. The Toledo Department of Environmental Services was notified of the incident, and Toledo Refining Health and Safety personnel will continue to monitor air quality inside the refinery and surrounding areas.

No air quality issues inside or outside the refinery have been detected.