Sunday, January 11, 2015

“OPERATIONAL ISSUE” AND/OR FIRE AT SOUTH PHILLY REFINERY CAUSES BLACK SMOKE TO RISE AND HEAVY FLARING



“OPERATIONAL ISSUE” AND/OR FIRE AT SOUTH PHILLY REFINERY CAUSES BLACK SMOKE TO RISE AND HEAVY FLARING







Sunday, Jan 11, 2015 • Updated at 12:03 AM EST

An operational issue caused black smoke to rise from a refinery in South Philadelphia.
Heavy clouds of black smoke that was seen by residents throughout the city rose from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions at 3144 West Passyunk Avenue Saturday afternoon.

Fire officials initially told NBC10 a scheduled burn-off was taking place at the refinery. They later reported however that firefighters were responding to a fire.

A spokesperson for Philadelphia Energy Solutions told NBC10 "operational issues" at the refinery caused heavy flaring and heavy smoke conditions.

All personnel at the refinery are safe and there are no reported injuries, according to the spokesperson.

Officials have not yet revealed the source of the problem.