Crews battle Corio Refinery blaze

Fire Rescue Victoria responded to an incident at the MOGAS Unit at the Viva Oil Refinery in Corio at approximately 11.15pm yesterday evening following multiple calls to Triple Zero (000) reporting explosions and flames.

The Fire is not yet under control although is currently contained to the plant / area of origin and involves liquid fuels and gases.

All emergency response personnel and Viva employees have been accounted for and there have been no reported injuries.

There is currently a Watch and Act message for areas south of the Corio Refinery, with the public advised to shelter in doors including:

• What you should do:
  • Close all exterior doors and windows.
    • Turn off heating and cooling systems.
    • Close fireplaces and vents.
    • You should avoid the area around and near the Corio Refinery.
    • If you are driving, close the windows in your vehicle and turn off the air conditioning.
    • Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
  • Impacts in your area:
    • The smoke may be impacting a large area.
    • The smoke may impact areas south of Refinery Road Corio, east of Thompsons Road/Shannon Avenue.
    • Extending down to Grovedale, Boundary Road to Reedy Lake and Moolap out to Point Henry
    • Traffic in the area may be affected.

Fire Rescue Victoria specialist Hazardous Materials crews are currently undertaking atmospheric monitoring and being supported by a Fire Rescue Victoria Scientific Officer.

Support agencies and technical advisors including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, EPA and Worksafe are on scene.

Viva refinery have advised there is no immediate impact on fuel supplies.