The Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, located in the Corio industrial zone, was struck by a fire of exceptional intensity during the night of April 15–16, 2026. The facility, one of the last two refineries still in operation in Australia, plays a vital role in the country’s fuel supply. The incident quickly sparked serious concern among residents and authorities.

The fire broke out shortly after 11 p.m. in a facility dedicated to gasoline production. Witnesses reported explosions, a loud blast, and a red sky visible from several kilometers away. The vibrations felt in nearby homes attest to the intensity of the blaze. Nearly fifty firefighters were deployed to bring the flames under control, supported by ten fire trucks. The fire was not fully contained until late morning.

According to Fire Rescue Victoria’s initial findings, the cause of the incident appears to be related to equipment failure. A liquefied gas leak, a valve malfunction, or a pressure drop in a fuel line are among the leading theories. The affected unit handles highly flammable light hydrocarbons, which explains the rapid spread of the fire and the secondary explosions observed. A controlled burn of residual gas was carried out to prevent overpressure and limit the risk of explosion.

The Geelong refinery plays a strategic role in Australia’s energy landscape. It supplies more than half of the fuel consumed in the state of Victoria and about 10% of the national supply. Following the fire, two gasoline production units were severely damaged. The facility is now operating at a significantly reduced capacity. Diesel and kerosene production continues, but gasoline production has been severely disrupted, which could lead to supply shortages in the coming weeks.

From a QHSE perspective, the incident highlights the vulnerability of LPG-to-gasoline conversion units. These facilities operate under high pressure and at high temperatures, in the presence of hydrogen and volatile hydrocarbons. A leak or overheating can quickly lead to a flammable vapor cloud or a vapor explosion, followed by a pool fire. The characteristics observed in Geelong correspond to this type of scenario.

The environmental impact is still being assessed. The plume of black smoke prompted authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. Air quality monitoring measures have been put in place, while emergency response teams have been cooling down nearby facilities to prevent the fire from spreading.

The fire at the Viva Energy Geelong refinery is one of the most significant industrial accidents in Australia in recent years. Although there were no casualties, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of oil infrastructure and the importance of safety measures in hydrocarbon processing facilities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the failure and to strengthen preventive measures.