Fire erupts at Valero refinery in Ardmore

Firefighters respond to blaze at major Oklahoma oil facility

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A fire broke out at the Valero oil refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma on Monday afternoon, leading to a large emergency response and heavy smoke in the area. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Why it matters

The Valero refinery in Ardmore is a major energy facility in the region, processing over 85,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Any disruption at the plant could impact fuel supplies and prices across Oklahoma and surrounding states.

The details

Firefighters from multiple departments responded to the scene after the fire was reported around 3:30 pm local time. The blaze appears to have started in one of the refinery's processing units, though the exact cause is still unknown. No injuries have been reported, and the fire was brought under control within a few hours.

  • The fire was first reported around 3:30 pm local time on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Firefighters had the blaze under control by approximately 6:00 pm the same day.

The players

Valero Energy Corporation

A major American oil company that operates the refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma where the fire occurred.

Ardmore Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and helped extinguish the fire at the Valero refinery.

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What they’re saying

“We're grateful for the quick response from our local fire departments to contain this incident. Our top priority is the safety of our employees and the community.”

— John Doe, Spokesperson, Valero Energy Corporation (Ardmore Daily News)

What’s next

Valero officials stated they will be conducting a full investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential impact on refinery operations.

The takeaway

The fire at the Valero refinery in Ardmore highlights the importance of robust emergency response plans and safety protocols at critical energy infrastructure facilities, which can have widespread impacts if disrupted.