IRAQ – Fire breaks out at Baiji Refinery, emergency crews respond

A major fire broke out early Monday at the Baiji Refinery’s hydrogen unit, one of Iraq’s largest oil refining facilities, according to oil sector and civil defense sources.

Thick smoke and flames were seen rising from the refinery as emergency teams moved quickly to contain the blaze. Several nearby processing units were temporarily shut down, and workers in the surrounding area were evacuated as a precaution to reduce the risk of explosions and limit potential damage.

Firefighters managed to bring the main flames under control, but cooling operations continued to prevent the possibility of the fire reigniting. Authorities have also launched an initial investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

A detailed technical inspection of the hydrogen unit and nearby facilities will begin once firefighting operations are fully completed.

No casualties had been reported at the time of publication.

Photo credit: Shafaq News. All rights reserved.