The Tulsa Fire Department (Oklahoma, USA) partnered with Holly Frontier Fire & HAZMAT to put out a fire at the AXEL Royal Oil & Grease facility in west Tulsa on 19 November. In a statement, AXEL Group CEO Johan Stureson said the fire started in the western part of the oil blending unit. The cause is still unknown.
The company reported initial assessments show that two oil blending and outdoor base oil storage tanks fuelled most, if not all, of the fire. The company said environmental authorities have been notified. No injuries were reported and everyone in the area was evacuated, including some neighboring buildings.
Crews were able to gain control of the flames and keep the smoke plume down to a much lower level. HAZMAT crews stayed on scene applying synthetic foam to prevent any further ignition until 16:28. Nearby Holly refinery also sent fire crews over to the fire with a truck full of retardant foam.
