Thick black smoke poured from the Viva Energy refinery in Corio on Tuesday afternoon, creating a dramatic plume visible across parts of Geelong and prompting emergency responses.
The incident occurred around 4:30 PM, with multiple fire crews rushing to the scene after reports of significant smoke emanating from the industrial facility. Despite the alarming appearance, authorities quickly moved to reassure the public that there was no immediate danger to the surrounding community.
Emergency Response and Public Assurance
Fire Rescue Victoria and Country Fire Authority units were dispatched to the refinery following the first reports of smoke. A spokesperson for Viva Energy confirmed that the smoke resulted from an operational incident within the facility.
The company emphasized that all safety systems functioned as designed, containing the situation within the plant's boundaries. Emergency services established a perimeter around the affected area while assessments were conducted.
Victoria Police assisted with traffic management in the vicinity, though no major road closures were required. The Environmental Protection Agency was notified and began monitoring air quality in the surrounding areas as a precautionary measure.
Community Impact and Ongoing Monitoring
Residents in Corio and nearby suburbs reported seeing the dark smoke column rising high into the afternoon sky. Many took to social media to share images and express concern about the potential environmental and health impacts.
However, authorities consistently maintained that there was no threat to public safety throughout the incident. The smoke gradually dissipated over the following hours as the situation was brought under control.
Viva Energy implemented its standard emergency protocols, with on-site teams working closely with emergency services to manage the situation. The company committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident once the immediate situation was stabilized.
Refinery Operations and Safety Record
The Viva Energy refinery in Corio is one of Australia's largest oil refineries, processing crude oil into various petroleum products. The facility has operated in Geelong for decades and employs numerous safety measures to protect both workers and the surrounding community.
While industrial incidents of this nature are rare, the company has protocols for managing unexpected operational issues. Tuesday's event marked another test of these emergency response systems, which appeared to function effectively according to initial reports.
Local residents were advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed if they were sensitive to smoke, though air quality monitoring indicated no significant deterioration in surrounding areas. The incident serves as a reminder of the industrial nature of the Corio region and the importance of robust safety measures at major facilities.
As night fell, operations at the refinery were returning to normal, with the smoke completely cleared and emergency services scaling back their presence. The investigation into the exact cause of the incident continues, with Viva Energy expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
