Marathon Petroleum has reported a fire at its Garyville, Louisiana oil refinery. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported; however, residents living near the plant have been ordered to evacuate for their safety.
According to Marathon, the fire originated from a naphtha release and is currently being attended to by the company’s personnel and local emergency responders. The incident is contained within the refinery’s property.
The intensity of the fire can be observed from local television footage, which shows two large storage tanks fully engulfed in flames and emitting thick black smoke that reaches several stories high. Efforts to control the fire include the use of two water cannons within the plant.
As a precaution, St. John the Baptist Parish has mandated temporary evacuation for residents within a two-mile radius of the area closest to the fire. The parish has designated alternative locations for residents seeking temporary shelter during this time.
Situated along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the Garyville refinery serves as a crucial facility in southeastern Louisiana. Boasting a crude oil refining capacity of 596,000 barrels per calendar day, it plays a significant role in the region’s oil industry.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.