A fire, perceptible over a radius exceeding 30 km, followed by 2 explosions occurred around 9:15 pm in a catalytic reforming unit, at its hydroprocessing operation intended to remove sulphur from the catalyst load. The refinery’s fire-fighting team, with assistance from external fire-fighters, remained on the scene until the next day. All neighbouring units were shut down, as were downstream units, due to a lack of hydrogen. The fire had ignited around a stripping column. Under the effect of heat, several hydrocarbon pipes ruptured. The fire-fighting strategy consisted of allowing the unit to burn while cooling the adjacent units by sprinkling. The blaze was brought under control at 3:15 the following day. The internal emergency plan, activated at 9:39 pm the previous evening, was lifted at 4:30 pm. The incident was thoroughly examined: 2 in-plant fire-fighters suffered a slight malaise due to the heat but were able to resume their functions that night. An emergency prefectural order was signed.

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