A Liquid Petroleum Gas fire at the Wynnewood Refinery, located in Wynnewood, Oklahoma occurred at 1420 hours central time. The fire is at the hydrofluoric (HF) acid alkalation unit in the facility and within the unit there are 3 cesium 137 low radiation sources.
Local responder issued a 1 mile perimeter evacuation that included adjacent neighborhoods and Highway 77. The all clear was given at 2130 hours once the EPA air monitoring established no release off-site. Adjacent to the HF Unit is a BSNF railway which has been closed until the incident is secure. BSNF officials have joined unified command to provide technical expertise to the railway and additional air monitoring sources. There was 1 individual that was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion. No other injuries were reported.
Wynnewood Refinery has established mutual aid with Wynnewood Fire Department, Pauls Valley Fire Department, and Valero Refinery in Admore. At its height, 45 responders were on-site. Fire fighting water utilized to contain the fire is supplied from Arbuckle Lake through a gravity pulled water-line. At this time, all runoff is currently being contained within the facility in a retention pond.
Earlier this week, OSHA has been conducting an unrelated PSM complaint inspection from a union on safety concerns. Due to the incident, OSHA has sent representatives to the scene and will further investigate the cause of the incident. Wynnewood Refinery is a RMP / FRP regulated facility.
The fire is currently in a controlled burn. Continuous air monitoring was performed overnight by START contractors. Air monitoring results indicate that no off-site release occurred overnight. CTEH has arrived to provide additional air monitoring support for BNSF and emergency response personnel.
Firefighting personnel have maintained a static perimeter to protect surfaces and isolate source.
While performing continuous air monitoring, BNSF personnel and contractors will be inspecting the affected stretch of railroad track in an effort to reopen the track to pass through backed-up rail traffic. Once unified command along with BNSF technical advice determines the railroad to be safe, the first two trains will pass at 25 mph (the normal speed is 55 mph)to allow for monitoring from the train and further assessment of the situation.
Water for firefighting will be recirculated for reuse. Sodium bicarbonate will be added to the water to neutralize runoff.
Determining the location of the source and deactivating the LPG line.
Reuse of water for firefighting due to potential lack of reserve tank supply from water source in Lake Arbuckle.
BNSF railway to become operational
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