On May 26, Ecuador’s largest oil refinery in Esmeraldas became the site of a major fire that sent local residents scrambling to safety. The blaze, which broke out in the early afternoon, prompted authorities to evacuate workers and nearby communities as thick smoke billowed over the Pacific coast.
Firefighting crews from the Esmeraldas Fire Department and national emergency services battled the flames for several hours before announcing the situation under control. "Our teams worked around the clock to prevent the fire from spreading to storage tanks," said a local official, highlighting the coordinated response.
With a processing capacity of over 110,000 barrels per day, the refinery is a cornerstone of Ecuador’s oil sector and a key driver of local employment. Although operations remain suspended pending a safety review, experts anticipate minimal impact on national fuel supply thanks to stock reserves and imports.
Environmental advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident and improved safety measures to reduce future risks. As authorities conduct damage assessments, residents and businesses in Esmeraldas are urging more transparency on cleanup plans and air quality monitoring.
The fire at Esmeraldas serves as a reminder of the energy industry’s challenges in balancing production demands with community safety and environmental protection. As the global energy market watches closely, Ecuador faces critical choices in strengthening infrastructure resilience and accountability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
