Small fire occurs at Nikiski refinery

A small fire was quickly contained at Tesoro Alaska’s Nikiski oil refinery.

The fire, however, left one production unit that produces jet fuel shut down, said Steven Hansen, vice president of refining for Tesoro. He said the unit will be out of operation for an unknown period of time.

The fire, which was small and occurred in an isolated area of the plant, began just after 11 a.m. April 21. There were no injuries.

Tesoro’s fire brigade and the Nikiski Fire Department responded to the blaze. The fire department brought in five units and 17 firefighters. The blaze did not cause any significant damage to the plant. Its cause was not immediately known.

The refinery produces jet fuel, diesel and gasoline.

Assistant Chief Isham said firefighters with the department have additional training in fuel spills and hazardous fires because of the four industrial plants in the community.

Each of the Nikiski plants has its own fire units. The fire department acts as backup to these fire brigades, Isham said.

—The Associated Press