Colombia: Authorities responding to fire at fuel storage plant in Riomar area of Barranquilla early Dec. 21

Event

Emergency services are responding to a large fire at the Bravo Petroleum fuel plant at the intersection of via 40 and calle 85 in the Riomar area of Barranquilla early Dec. 21. The fire is reportedly affecting four of the five storage tanks containing an estimated 265,000 liters (70,000 gallons) of fuel. The cause of the blaze is unclear. Officials have asked nearby residents to close windows and doors as crews work to extinguish the fire.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are likely over the coming hours as 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 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.