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Great Falls refinery identifies cause of weekend fire

Posted at 8:56 AM, Dec 03, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-03 11:13:46-05

Calumet Montana Refining in Great Falls has resumed full operations following a small fire that happened on Saturday. There were no injuries caused by the fire.

Calumet said in a press release on Monday that the cause of the fire was a pipe fitting leak, which has been repaired, and the affected unit has been restarted.



While the fire was minor, smoke was visible from across Great Falls during the incident. The smoke was the result of the interruption to unit processing, resulting in the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, and it dispersed quickly.

“Safety is our top priority every day,” said Plant Manager Wayne Leiker. “In partnership with the Great Falls Fire and Police Departments, Calumet resolved this event quickly.”

Calumet conducts regular response drills and training to prepare for fires, severe weather events, and other challenges that may impact plant operations.