Colombia: Authorities continue responding to fuel fire at fuel storage plant in Riomar area of Barranquilla as of Dec. 22 /update 2

Event

As of Dec. 22, emergency services continue to respond to a large fuel fire at the Bravo Petroleum fuel plant at the intersection of via 40 and Calle 85 in the Riomar area of Barranquilla. The fire reportedly has affected fuel storage tanks containing an estimated 265,000 liters (70,000 gallons) of fuel. As of early Dec. 22, officials extinguished the fire on one of the two fuel tanks, and the second had approximately 20 percent of fuel left; authorities did not provide an estimate as to when the fire in the second tank will be extinguished.

Due to the fire, an area of approximately 800 meters around the fire has been evacuated, and Via 40 remains closed between Calle 80 and Glorieta de las Flores. Power outages are reported in Las Flores and Las Playas neighborhoods. Officials with the General Maritime Directorate Colombian Maritime Authority (Dirrecion General Maritima Autoridad Maritima Colombiana, Dimar) suspended the Barranquilla port operations. The cause of the blaze is unclear. The fire killed at least one person. Officials have asked nearby residents who have not been evacuated to close windows and doors as crews work to extinguish the fire.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are almost certain over the coming days. Further disruptions to electrical services are likely in response to combat the blaze. Authorities could further suspend port operations in emergency response, and investigations continue.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Heed all officials' instructions. Plan for localized transport disruptions. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to reach destinations if operating near the affected area. Consider using alternative ports for time-sensitive shipments until port operations resume. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.