LPG FIRE AT VALERO – MCKEE REFINERY

On February 16, 2007, a liquid propane release from cracked control station piping resulted in a massive fire in the propane deasphalting (PDA)1 unit at Valero’s McKee Refinery near Sunray, Texas, injuring three employees and a contractor. The fire caused extensive equipment damage and resulted in the evacuation and total shutdown of the McKee Refinery. The refinery remained shut down for two months; the PDA unit was rebuilt and resumed operation nearlyone year after the incident. Direct losses attributed to the fire were reported to exceed $50 million.