NSW: Hydrogen leak behind refinery fire

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2001
NSW: Hydrogen leak behind refinery fire

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Up to a dozen fire units were this afternoon trying to contain
a burning hydrogen leak at Sydney's Caltex oil refinery.

Described as a "non-threatening line fire", the blaze at the refinery in Kurnell, in
Sydney's south, was detected shortly before midday, a New South Wales Fire Brigades spokesman
said.

Five fire brigades pumpers were at the scene along with hazardous materials units and
expert monitors who were working with Caltex management to try and shut down the source
of the flames, he said.

Four units from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) were also in attendance.

"There doesn't appear to be any real threat to property or person based on current
indications," an RFS spokesman said.

"The resources lined up are more than adequate to deal with the situation."

The spokesman said the blaze was confined to one of the plant's high pressure units.

Comment was being sought from Caltex.

AAP jk/rp/ns

KEYWORD: CALTEX

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