Firefighters Contain Major Refinery Blaze in San Nicolas, Aruba

Early this morning, the Police Central Unit received an urgent call reporting a large fire on part of the refinery grounds near the solar panels in San Nicolas. Police and Fire Department units were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, responders encountered a major blaze with thick smoke. The Fire Department’s Officer in Charge (OVD) advised police to evacuate nearby residents temporarily until the fire was brought under control, ensuring their safety.

Police closed several roads in the area to keep traffic and bystanders away while also allowing emergency units to move freely. This enabled firefighters and police to mobilize personnel and equipment without obstruction.

After much effort, the fire was initially brought under control. However, by midday, strong winds reignited dry grass on the refinery grounds, sparking another large blaze and heavy smoke. This forced authorities to reorganize and adjust strategies to safeguard both responders and the refinery.

The Fire Department’s OVD, together with the Police OVD and Crisis Management Office (CMO), quickly met to evaluate the situation. Strategic road closures were implemented, and preparations were made for a possible wider evacuation if conditions worsened. The Police Mobile Command Unit was activated to ensure coordinated response.

Police also deployed drones to gain a clear aerial view of the fire’s movement and intensity, which greatly aided in tactical decisions.

By 4:30 p.m., after hours of intense firefighting, the blaze was once again under control. Authorities determined there was no further immediate danger to the neighborhood, and evacuated residents were allowed to return home.

Residents affected by the smoke were advised to ventilate their homes by opening doors and windows to clear out the strong odor before resuming normal living conditions.

This incident highlighted the importance of swift action and seamless coordination between the Police, Fire Department, and CMO. According to Police spokesperson Liliana Rasmijn, firefighters successfully brought the fire fully under control by the end of the day.