A major oil refinery in Texas caught fire after an explosion. Officials believe an industrial heater likely caused the blast. Soon after the incident, emergency crews rushed to the Valero Energy refinery in Port Arthur. Residents had reported a loud boom that shook their homes.

Zena Stephens said the explosion was likely caused by an “industrial heater”.

Thick Smoke Leads to Safety Measures

As the fire spread, thick black smoke filled the sky. Therefore, officials issued a shelter-in-place order for residents on the west side of Port Arthur. The explosion occurred at around 6:30 pm local time on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Zena Stephens and Police Chief Tim Duriso confirmed that all workers were accounted for. They also said no injuries have been reported so far.

Emergency Teams Act Quickly

Emergency teams immediately began efforts to control the blaze. Firefighters used water to contain the flames. At the same time, Carol Hebert from Valero Energy said, “Currently, there is a fire in a unit at Valero's Port Arthur, Texas refiner.”

She added, “All personnel have been accounted for. Valero's emergency response team is responding and coordinating with local authorities. As a precaution, Jefferson County officials have closed State Highways 82 and 87. As always, the safety of our workers is our top priority.”

However, officials said evacuations are not required at this stage.

Roads Closed, Monitoring Continues

Authorities closed nearby highways to support emergency operations. As a result, traffic in the area remains restricted. Police Chief Tim Duriso said officers will manage key intersections. He added that travel will resume once the situation becomes safe.

About the Refinery

Valero Energy operates one of the largest refining networks in the world. The company has a total capacity of about 3.2 million barrels per day. It is based in San Antonio and runs 15 refineries across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

In addition, Valero is part of a joint venture that produces low-carbon fuels at facilities in Louisiana and Port Arthur.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have started an investigation to confirm the exact cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, emergency crews continue to monitor the site and ensure public safety.