It was a sad day in the Twin Ports today. Acrid smoke billowed from the Husky Energy Oil Refinery in Superior, Wisconsin (USA). An initial explosion and fire broke out mid-morning. The fire appeared to be diminishing by noon when a series of larger explosions and fires occurred, fueled by liquid asphalt. As of late afternoon, an area of Superior was under a mandatory evacuation, and many hospitals, businesses, and schools were closed as the fires and billowing black smoke continued. Local news stations have reported that there were several injuries but no fatalities. Officials announced at 7:00 p.m. that the fire has been suppressed, but the mandatory evacuation remained in effect until Friday morning.

While we are initially concerned for the many workers in the vicinity of the explosion, fire and rescue personnel, and area residents, our concerns also turn to the impact on flora and fauna and potential lasting environmental impacts from this incident. Not only are there wetlands nearby and the St. Louis River, but also the Great Lake Superior.

(Note: audio was removed as it contained primarily traffic noise; explosions could not be heard at this distance.)

Video without watermark is available upon request.