Photo:AP

On Monday morning, a fire broke out at the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick, prompting an immediate emergency response. The blaze originated from a product leak around 9:15 a.m., triggering alarms and visible black smoke across the area. But firefighters and refinery crews acted fast and took control.

Emergency Response

• The Saint John Fire Department (SJFD) was on the scene in just minutes, working closely with Irving Oil’s own emergency response team.

• They used both water and foam to put out the fire. Deputy Chief Ed Moyer noted, “it usually looks worse than what it is,” and praised the refinery’s staff for their training. 

• Within about an hour, the fire was officially extinguished, and the site declared under control. 

What Caused It?

• Irving Oil described the event as an "operational incident" due to a product leak inside the facility that led to the fire.

• An emergency alarm sounded immediately, and the smoke plume was isolated, preventing it from spreading further. 

• A spokesman confirmed that operations have returned to normal, and no injuries or threats to the community were reported. 

Why This Matters

• The Irving Oil refinery is Canada’s largest, processing over 320,000 barrels of crude daily. 

• Fires at major industrial sites can worry nearby communities, but quick response and regular drills helped ensure safety. 

• The incident is being investigated by the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government, which wants to understand what caused the leak.

Key Takeaways

• Preparedness is crucial: Regular training and cooperation between refinery staff and municipal firefighters kept people safe.

• Swift containment prevents escalation: Rapid use of water, foam, and isolation techniques stopped a potentially dangerous event.

• Transparency builds trust: Clear updates—like stating “under control” and “no injuries”—help calm public concern.