Fire has broken out at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, Victoria—one of Australia’s two remaining domestic oil refineries.
The refinery’s output totals 50% of Victoria’s and 10% of Australia’s fuel, although Viva Energy says there is no immediate impact to fuel supply.
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Viva Energy recently signed an agreement with the Australian Government, through Export Finance Australia, to secure additional fuel to bolster Australia’s fuel security during the Middle East crisis.
ABC News reports Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) was called to the Viva Energy Refinery at 11:05pm after explosions were reported.
FRV assistant chief fire officer Michael McGuinness said the fire started in the motor gasoline production area of the facility.
“There’s been some sort of leak, there’s hydrocarbons, flammable liquids which very readily caught fire,” he said.
FRV said the fire was still being battled by firefighters, however, there was no threat to the public.
“Investigations will need to take place, but it’s not being treated as suspicious; it may very well be just a malfunction of a piece of pipework or a valve,” McGuinness said.
A spokesperson for Viva Energy Group confirmed there was a significant fire burning within the gasoline complex at Geelong refinery.
“Fire Rescue Victoria is at the facility and is in control of the incident. All personnel are accounted for and no one was injured. The health and safety of our people, contractors and the surrounding community remains our highest priority. Viva Energy is working closely with emergency services and relevant authorities,” they said.
“The extent of damage to the refinery is not yet known and will be investigated once it is safe to do so.
“The facility remains running, on reduced production rates. We anticipate that the impacts will be predominantly to the production of gasoline and aviation gasoline, however, the damage needs to be assessed and understood.
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“There is no immediate impact to fuel supply, and the company expects to replace any lost production through its fuel import program.”
