Some information taken from mainstream media reports on the fire include the following, including statements by Shell Companies in Singapore chairman Lee Tzu Yang.
More about the fire and responses to it
The fire started at at a pumphouse at about 1.15pm in an open area where there were many criss-crossing pipelines carrying light fuels. Explosions were heard soon after the fire. The fire broke out where finished oil products are transferred from the final production unit into storage tanks by being pumped through pipelines.
The cause of the fire was still unknown and being investigate Initial reports were that the fire was brought under control in about one hour. But by evening, there were reports that it had flared up again and spread. Some reports suggest the fire was eventually contained around midnight. But other reports say the fire continued to rage on Thursday 29 Sep.
The fire and the thick plumes of smoke were visible from western areas of Singapore - such as Pasir Panjang, Redhill and Dover Road - as well as from Sentosa. It was also reported that a dark cloud of smoke could be seen over mainland Singapore and the Jurong Island oil hub, about five hours after the fire started. "The smoke has become much thicker and flames are rising up five to eight storeys every 15-20 minutes," said a Reuters witness
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| From AsiaOne, 28 Sep 11 |
Update 29 Sep noon: Three more explosions heard at Bukom, witnesses saw a 'fire ball shooting into the sky around the time of the explosions'. Two and a half fire engines damaged. More media reports on this.
Toxic by products from the fire itself?
Mr Lee said the substances that were burning were "light fuel products". "They are not toxic and will not create gas clouds," there was "no danger of poisonous vapours when the affected hydrocarbons combust".
Environmental impact from the fire-fighting?
Pulau Bukom's in-house firefighting team fought the fire with eight water jets. SCDF sent two more large water jets for the operation. SCDF also said about 20 water jets are being used to carry out boundary cooling operations.
Mr Lee said "There will be a continuous process of applying foam pressure ... the operation will continue as long as it takes."
[Fire fighting foam can have toxic impact on marine life]
Environmental impact from the refinery shutdown?
As a result of the shutdown, Shell said the public may see a larger flare, but it is no cause for alarm. Because in a shutdown situation, there would be hydrocarbons that are vented to the atmosphere and you would see a larger than normal flare."
What impact on the surrounding sea?
Mr Lee said the company has taken precautions against any chemicals spilling into the sea. "(We) have deployed booms off Pulau Bukom in the sea to ensure that if in the event, any of this does escape to the sea it will be captured in the booms, and we have boats offshore keeping watch."
What natural shores are found near Pulau Bukom?
Pulau Hantu is the closest, with beautiful reefs that was just visited by the volunteer divers of the Hantu Bloggers this weekend.
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| The amazing reefs of Pulau Hantu lie just across from Bukom. |
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| Plume of emissions from Bukom seen from Semakau. |
