Petróleos Mexicanos ruled out a fire at the Olmeca refinery in Dos Bocas after reports of smoke and flames early Saturday. The company explained it was a controlled flash flame during maintenance work on storage tanks.
Pemex stated in a release that the work took place on vacuum residue storage tanks using steam and controlled venting. Around midnight a flash flame occurred outside one of the tanks and was immediately contained per established safety protocols.
The company confirmed the event posed no risk to staff, facilities or the surrounding community. Refinery operations continue normally and maintenance work proceeds as scheduled.
Initial reports from residents mentioned a smoke column and activated sirens, possibly in the coker plant. Pemex clarified it was a routine procedure and not a fire.
