Truck fire at Valdez refinery remains under investigation

The cause of a fire in a truck taking on fuel at a Valdez refinery last week remains under investigation, local officials say.

Reports of an explosion and fire at the Petro Star Refinery on Dayville Road came in at 8:32 p.m. Thursday, according to the Valdez Fire Department. Responders arrived about five minutes later to find a fire involving a highway cargo tanker truck parked inside the loading facility. An Alyeska Fire & Rescue engine also responded.

No injuries were reported.

The fire was brought under control at 8:49 p.m., according to the department. The last crews left the scene before midnight.

The truck’s operator was starting to load diesel into the forward cargo tank when the fire started, according to Allie Ferko, a city spokeswoman. The rear tank was empty.

Damage was limited to the truck and the loading bay it occupied, Ferko said.

A Petro Star representative didn’t immediately return a call for comment.