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Emergency crews are responding to an out-of-control fire at one of Australia’s two remaining oil refineries, which supplies 10% of the country’s fuel. The fire at Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, 65km southwest of Melbourne, was described as “significant”, the ABC is reporting. Victorian emergency services are responding to the blaze. Fire Rescue Victoria said it responded at 11.15pm (local time) last night after multiple reports of explosions and flames at the refinery. “The fire is not yet under control, although it is currently contained to the plant,” it said, adding that the fire involved “liquid fuels and gases”. A short while ago: Huge fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Corio. With only two refineries left in Australia, any major hit to this 120,000 bpd facility is a massive blow to local fuel security. pic.twitter.com/62yKWsGKnY— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) April 15, 2026 No one had been hurt in the fire at the refinery, which supplied 10% of Australia’s fuel and 50% of Victoria’s, news.com.au reported. However, the fire had sent smoke billowing across the region, with a sweeping “watch and act” warning for tens of thousands of residents, the Geelong Times reported. A wind change overnight led authorities to urge residents to shelter indoors immediately. Motorists were also told to stay away from the area. BREAKING: Large fire at Viva Energy's Corio refinery in Geelong, Victoria Australia. Substantial flames visible, multiple fire trucks on scene.The refinery processes ~120,000 barrels/day — over 10% of Australia's daily fuel supply. Fire not yet under control. pic.twitter.com/9VvVaIBqm6— aussie17 (@_aussie17) April 15, 2026 The alert, issued by the Country Fire Authority (CFA), stretched across a large portion of Greater Geelong, from Corio and Norlane through to Belmont, Grovedale and Armstrong Creek, the Times reported. Up to 17 fire vehicles had been sent to help. More to come...
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