Husky Refinery Explosion - Superior WI / Twin Ports

Hello!

I have totally been MIA these last few months. [Sorry] Being a new mom is fun stuff and I’ve been enjoying time with my little one! I figured I’d post a quick update about some crazy stuff that happened last week while the baby naps.

Last Thursday an oil refinery had a fire. I was at work, just a few miles away and my boss pointed out black smoke in the sky.

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, an explosion ignited a fire inside a tank containing asphalt at a local oil refinery. The fire burned for more than eight hours before firefighters could put the fire out. You could see the thick black smoke for miles! Luckily, no one’s life’s were taken and there were just a few injuries.

The explosion had the potential to kill over 180,000 people if the fire would have reached a tank containing hydrogen fluoride that was only 200 feet away.

As a result the city of Superior evacuated. There was talk of Duluth evacuating as well if the winds were to switch, sending the chemical smoke cloud north west. Luckily, that didn’t happen and fire crews were able to contain the fire that evening.

My anxiety during this time was at an all time high for my family. I quickly contacted friends and family outside of town and created an emergency plan to leave town if needed. I needed to do whatever it took to keep my baby safe.

The next morning the evacuation notice was lifted and families and pets were able to return home. The focus now is to try to get the area back to “normal”

Questions about air and water quality have risen concern for our area. But no warnings have beeen given. The cause of the explosions are still under investigation. I will update when we all know more!

Thanks for reading!