USA – Lightning Strike Sparks Tank Fire at CITGO’s Lake Charles Refinery

A lightning strike ignited a storage tank fire at CITGO’s Lake Charles Refinery on July 10, prompting a swift emergency response and raising community concerns about air quality and safety.

The incident occurred at the Cit-Con site, also known as the CITGO Lubricant and Wax Plant (CLAW). At approximately 1:18 p.m., lightning hit a tank containing oil and gas materials, igniting a fire that burned for more than three hours.

Emergency crews acted quickly, containing and extinguishing the blaze by 4:57 p.m., according to a statement from CITGO. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all refinery staff were accounted for. The rest of the refinery’s operations continued without interruption.

CITGO and mutual aid teams will continue to monitor the area and conduct air testing throughout the night. The company emphasized that the safety of employees, the community, and the environment remains its top priority.

The storage tank involved was reportedly not part of active refinery production, minimizing any broader operational impact. The Lake Charles Refinery, one of CITGO’s largest complexes, can process up to 459,800 barrels per day and plays a significant role in supplying fuel and petrochemical products across the region.

CITGO has faced environmental scrutiny in past decades, including fines related to air and water pollution. However, the company says it has since strengthened its safety protocols and environmental monitoring.

Photo credit: KPLC. All rights reserved.