A fire erupted in petroleum product storage tanks at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility operated by Explorer Pipeline in Glenpool, Oklahoma, United States, after a suspected lightning strike. The fire spread to three storage tanks. Nearly 50 emergency personnel mobilized to manage the situation. Authorities confirmed no injuries and air quality tests detected no harmful substances posing risks to the public.
The incident occurred at approximately 08:34 local time on Monday morning (17 Aug) at the LNG storage facility of Explorer Pipeline near Highway 75 and West 126 Street in Glenpool, Oklahoma, United States.
Reports from police and rescue units indicated they received an explosion alert believed to have been caused by a lightning strike hitting the LNG storage tank. This initially triggered a fire in one tank, which then spread to adjacent tanks, damaging a total of three tanks.
Mandy Wafrinak, the public information officer for Glenpool's Department of Emergency Management, explained that because the tanks contain petroleum products, plain water could not be used to extinguish the fire. Instead, chemical agents, fire suppression foam, specialized equipment, and expert personnel were required.
The response involved nearly 50 firefighters and rescue workers from multiple agencies, including specialized industrial firefighting teams such as the Cushing Fire Department, Sinclair Refining Fire Team, Coffeyville Resources Fire Team, Williams Fire and Hazard Control, U.S. Fire Pump, and nearby local fire units. Cooling tractor trailers, provided by the property owner, were also used to help reduce heat.
Officials have successfully extinguished the flames with no reports of injuries or fatalities. However, foam continues to be applied over the remaining LNG tanks overnight to lower temperatures and prevent rekindling of the fire.
To ensure public safety, authorities closed West 126 Street between Casper and Elwood Streets and advised residents to avoid outdoor activities in the area.
Air quality measurements taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Tulsa County Emergency Management showed no hazardous chemicals at ground level. Smoke did not pose a threat to public health, leading officials to lift the shelter-in-place advisory for Glenpool and local schools around 14:00 the same day.
Explorer Pipeline released a statement confirming the lightning strike at their LNG tanks. The company said it is working closely with local emergency responders to secure the site and ensure safety in the surrounding area.
Local reports also noted that the Glenpool oil storage facility has a history of three previous LNG tank fires, with at least two incidents attributed to lightning strikes, similar to the current event.