On May 28, 2025, a fire broke out at the Esmeraldas Refinery in Ecuador, the country’s largest and most critical crude oil processing facility. Operated by the state-owned Empresa Pública de Hidrocarburos del Ecuador (Petroecuador), the refinery temporarily suspended operations as emergency protocols were activated. All personnel were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. 

The Esmeraldas facility, with a nominal refining capacity of 110,000 barrels per day, represents a major node in Ecuador’s internal fuel supply network. The fire, which generated large plumes of black smoke visible from miles away, triggered immediate shutdown procedures to prevent escalation and safeguard critical infrastructure. Petroecuador has confirmed that the fire is under control and that a full investigation is now underway to determine the cause and assess the structural and operational damage. 

This incident once again places a spotlight on the vital importance of industrial safety systems, disaster readiness, and investment in emergency response innovation. For a facility of this size and strategic importance, a disruption—even temporary—can have ripple effects on domestic fuel supply and market stability. The fire has prompted renewed discussions around the integration of simulation training, predictive maintenance, and digital twins in oil and gas operations to reduce downtime and enhance preparedness. 

Companies across the sector are being urged to reassess their risk mitigation strategies and to adopt technologies that support real-time situational awareness, remote emergency preparedness training, and rapid incident analysis. The future of oil and gas safety lies in data-driven prevention, realistic scenario planning, and cross-functional training, allowing teams to respond faster, smarter, and more effectively. 

To read the original report on this incident, visit: 

https://energynews.pro/en/fire-halts-operations-at-ecuadors-largest-oil-refinery/