Corio blaze triggers warning for residents to stay inside

Just after 2am, police said authorities were still responding to the “major fire” at the Shell Parade oil refinery in Corio and there had been no reports of injuries.

“People in surrounding areas are being asked to remain indoors with their windows closed due to the large amount of smoke,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.

The Country Fire Authority issued a watch and action warning for a string of surrounding suburbs about 1.10am after a change in wind sent smoke into northern Geelong.

Everyone south of Refinery Road in Corio was urged to “shelter indoors immediately.”

“Close all exterior doors and windows. Turn off heating and cooling systems. Close fireplaces and vents,” the CFA said.

‘You should avoid the area.

“If you are driving, close the windows in your vehicle and turn off the air conditioning.

“Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.”

The warning, which was an upgrade from a previous advisory, included Chilwell, Corio, Drumcondra, Geelong, Geelong West, Hamlyn Heights, Newtown, Norlane, North Geelong, North Shore, Rippleside and South Geelong.

The CFA said smoke could be seen south of Refinery Road to West Fyans Street and Fyans Street, and east of Shannons Avenue to the waterfront.

Six domestic oil refineries have closed in the past two decades, leaving only Brisbane’s Ampol Lytton refinery and Viva Energy’s Geelong plant still operational. This means Australia imports 90 percent of its liquid fuel needs.

According to Viva Energy, the refinery processes up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and supplies more than 50 per cent of Victoria’s fuel needs.

It is unclear what impact, if any, the fire will have on fuel supplies, amid the ongoing crisis sparked by the war in Iran.

Viva Energy has been contacted for comment

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