KAZAKHSTAN – Blaze at Kyzylorda oil refinery contained before spreading to nearby tanks

Firefighters have contained a blaze at a small-scale oil refinery in Kyzylorda after preventing the flames from spreading to three nearby storage tanks, according to the regional Department of Emergency Situations.

The fire broke out at the refinery on Mustafa Shokay Street, where two 60-tonne storage tanks containing a combined 120 tonnes of petroleum products were engulfed in flames.

When the first emergency crews arrived, the tanks were already on fire, creating a serious risk that the blaze could spread to three adjacent storage tanks.

A large-scale response was launched involving Emergency Ministry units, local authorities and other emergency services. A firefighting headquarters was established at the scene, while crews used portable firefighting monitors and foam to protect the neighbouring tanks.

The response teams successfully brought the fire under control and prevented the three nearby tanks from catching fire. The blaze was eventually extinguished over an area of more than 200 square metres.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. A specialised fire-testing laboratory has been called in to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

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