MAGWAY- A fire broke out at the Petrochemical Complex (Thanbayarkan) in Minhla Township, Magway Region, resulting in the loss of approximately 350 gallons of residual crude oil remaining inside a pipeline, according to official sources.

The fire started at around 6:05 am. on January 23 at the petrochemical facility. Firefighters and plant staff responded immediately, joined by fire brigades from nearby military units, districts, and townships. Through coordinated efforts, the blaze was successfully brought under control by 7:00 am.

Authorities confirmed that no major damage was reported, and production operations at the facility have since resumed normal operations.

Following the incident, the Deputy Minister of Energy, along with responsible officials, visited the Petrochemical Complex in Minhla Township later in the afternoon to inspect the site and assess the situation.

The factory manager explained that only the walls of the crude oil storage tank involved in the fire were damaged, while the crude oil stored inside the iron tank remained unaffected. He said the two storage tanks that caught fire will no longer be used, and production will continue using other crude oil storage tanks. The factory facilities and remaining oil storage tanks were not damaged, and crude oil storage and production operations are functioning normally.

He added that only a small section of external pipelines was damaged, resulting in the loss of approximately 350 gallons of crude oil that remained in the pipelines. Arrangements are being made to repair the damaged pipelines as soon as possible.

Following the briefing, the Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude and to fire brigades and factory employees from districts, and townships who worked together promptly to control the fire. He emphasized the need to manage pipeline repair work carefully to avoid disruptions to production. As oil refineries handle highly flammable materials, he stressed that personnel, equipment, and machinery must always be prepared for emergencies. The ministry will also take steps to increase firefighting personnel, fire engines, and related equipment at the plant in the near future.

According to the fire brigade, a fire broke out at around 6:15 pm. on January 23 in Ywataw Village, Minhla Township, Magway Region. Firefighting vehicles were dispatched from Minhla Township Fire Station, Htangaing, Dahatpin, Nyaungwai, Linkel, Letpandaung, and Shan Army Area Fire Stations. Additional support was provided by one fire engine from Ywatharyar Fire Station, two fire engines from the PIC Oil Refinery, and one fire engine from Myanmar Oil and Natural Gas. The fire was fully extinguished by 7:00 am.