Asphalt Tank Fire at Sinclair Refinery Quickly Contained

An asphalt tank at the Sinclair Oil Refinery in Sinclair, Wyoming, ignited on Saturday, sending thick black smoke visible for miles.

 

Despite the alarming sight, emergency officials swiftly managed the situation.

 

Lenny Layman, Carbon County Emergency Management coordinator, assured the public that the fire posed no significant threat to the refinery or the town.

 

Firefighters promptly controlled and extinguished the blaze.

 

As a precaution, authorities temporarily closed the east side of Wyoming Highway 76 near the refinery.

 

Layman emphasized, "At this time, there's no risk to the community or town of Sinclair."

 

Officials monitored for potential secondary fires from burning asphalt but found none.

 

The dense smoke resulted from the asphalt burning as fuel.

 

Local resident Ryan Lewis, a former volunteer fire chief, noted that such incidents are rare in the area.

 

He expressed concern about the smoke's potential hazards, stating, "It smells bad. It's not great."

 

Emergency management officials confirmed that the fire posed no health concerns unless the smoke reached the town.

 

They collaborated with the National Weather Service to monitor wind patterns, ensuring the smoke did not endanger residents.

 

Firefighters used foam to combat the blaze, and by 1 p.m., it was nearly extinguished.

 

By 1:10 p.m., Sinclair Police reported the fire was out.

 

Corinn Smith, a spokesperson for the refinery, confirmed that emergency personnel responded at 11:15 a.m., followed the response plan, and extinguished the fire.

 

She stated, "All personnel were accounted for, and there were no injuries. The safety of people and the community remain our priority."

 

The smoke plume was visible from as far as 35 miles away.

 

Local resident Joey Correnti observed, "I had no problem seeing it. It looks like the plume goes all the way to Hanna."

 

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.