Enref fire contained - no injuries reported

Wednesday, 21 November 2007

The fire that broke out at the Engen Refinery on 19 November 2007 inflicted no injuries and has been contained within a single tank.

The fire started in a floating roof petrol storage tank just after 19:00. While detailed root course analysis still needs to be done, it is highly likely that a lightening strike caused the fire which started in the midst of a violent electric storm.

The emergency response plan was implemented immediately and a water curtain was activated to protect nearby tanks, keeping them cool and preventing the fire from spreading.

Engen's on-site fire team was supported by Metro emergency services and SAPREF emergency services.

After three unsuccessful attempts to put out the fire overnight using a combination of water and foam, as much petrol as possible was pumped out of the tank, allowing the remainder to burn out.

The rest of the refinery was not affected, though production was reduced slightly to 75% of capacity while the fire was put out. Production is expected to return to normal within 24 hours.

The affected tank has a diameter of 45 meters and contained 7,5 million litres of petrol, when the fire started.

Engen has been working in close cooperation with the City Health Department to ensure that the situation was being closely monitored and well managed. Residents have been advised by SAPS to stay indoors and asked to stay away from the Refinery gates to avoid hampering access to emergency services should they be required.

An independent authority has captured air samples several times in surrounding communities. The analysis is not immediate, but once we receive the results we will forward these to a toxicologist to give advice on potential health or environmental impacts if any.

Engen will continue to keep all stakeholders informed.