‘Zero casualties’ in sour tank fire

In a statement released yesterday, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) confirmed that there were no casualties or major material damages as a result of a fire in a sour water storage tank.

“Both the Civil Defence and Bapco Fire Squads were responsive at the scene within minutes of the incident and succeeded in bringing the fire under control within two hours. “Both teams remained onsite till the next morning to ensure the safety of all personnel and operating assets.

“The fire occurred at 18:30 on Sunday in a tank that was being prepared for a scheduled turnaround and inspection. “The tank had been emptied and flushed as per standard operating procedures, and was in the initial stages of venting to remove pyrophoric material which likely became flammable, causing the fire,” the company said.