Explosion at Crude Oil Tank Farm in Two Hills County

Explosion at Crude Oil Tank Farm in Two Hills County

Michelle Pinon 0 News Advertiser

On October 23 members of the RCMP from the Two Hills, Elk Point and Vermilion Detachments, along with a number of Emergency Services Personnel from a number of regional fire departments and paramedics responded to an industrial explosion and fire at a crude oil tank farm north of highway 640 in the County of Two Hills.

Gary Dupuis, Essential Services Coordinator for the County of Two Hills, said East Central 911 dispatched Derwent and Myrnam Fire departments at 14:13 on October 23rd to a reported explosion and fire at SE15-55-6 W4, approximately 23 km SE of Elk Point.

Firemaster from Red Deer was notified and responded to the site along with site owners Secure Energy who had been notified by on-site staff. Elk Point Dispatched by Bonnyville 911 at 14:36 for mutual aid.

Plume of smoke in the distance.

(Lakeland Connect/Submitted Photo)

He noted that, firefighters from Derwent and Myrnam arrived at scene at 14:43 and assisted with a few evacuations of nearby residents. They provided traffic control at Hwy 41 and Hwy 640 and Hwy 640 and RR 62 and closed roads as requested.

Myrnam returned to hall at 19:00 and Derwent remained on scene until Firemaster and Secure Energy took over scene at 20:28.”

He went on to say, “The departments worked closely with RCMP and Secure Energy personnel to secure the area, returning to their fire hall after approximately six hours of on scene support as additional staff from Secure Energy and Firemaster attended the scene. The fire remains under investigation at this time. The County would like to thank our volunteers who remain ready to professionally respond 24 hours per day to numerous emergency events across the County keeping residents safe and secure.”

In a news release issued by Alberta RCMP that same day, it stated there were no reports of casualties and no residences were under threat from the fire. “At this time the cause of the fire is not believed to be criminal in nature, however, the investigation into the cause will continue.”

Natasha McKenzie, a spokesperson with Occupational Health and Safety, said it was notified of the incident on Oct. 23 and is currently investigating the situation.

Secure Energy was contacted to provide a statement, but had not received a response before press time.