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Fire erupts at Australia’s Geelong refinery, crews battle blaze overnight

Fire erupts at Australia’s Geelong refinery, crews battle blaze overnight
Emergency crews were deployed early Thursday, April 16, after a significant fire broke out at a major oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, raising concerns about fuel infrastructure and industrial safety. Authorities said the incident began at approximately 11:15 PM local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following multiple reports of explosions and visible flames at the Viva Energy refinery, one of the country’s last remaining facilities of its kind.

Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed that while the blaze was not immediately brought under control, it was contained within the boundaries of the refinery site. Officials stated that the fire involved liquid fuels and gases, prompting a large-scale emergency response as crews worked through the night to prevent the situation from escalating further. The refinery is considered a critical component of Australia’s energy network, supplying a substantial portion of the nation’s fuel demand.

Despite the intensity of the fire, authorities reported that all personnel at the site were accounted for and no injuries had been recorded. Emergency teams continued to monitor conditions closely, particularly due to the hazardous nature of the materials involved. Specialized hazardous materials units were deployed to conduct ongoing air quality assessments, supported by scientific officers to ensure surrounding areas were not at risk from toxic emissions.

Officials said there was no immediate disruption to fuel supplies, though monitoring efforts remained active as a precaution. The Geelong refinery, which has been operational since 1954, has the capacity to process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and produces a range of fuels including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and investigations are expected to follow once the situation is fully stabilized.

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