Kirbyville Man Critically Injured in Oklahoma Valero Refinery Fire

Four others also hospitalized after the incident at the Ardmore facility.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fire at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on Monday left five people injured, including a Kirbyville man who sustained severe burn injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Plano. The fire has been extinguished, but details about the extent of the injuries to the other four individuals have not been provided.

Why it matters

Refinery fires can be extremely dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. This incident raises concerns about worker safety and the potential environmental impact of such events, especially in a community like Ardmore that relies on the refinery as a major employer.

The details

The fire broke out at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on Monday afternoon. Five people were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, including Jesse Cole Biscamp, a volunteer youth football coach from Kirbyville. Biscamp sustained third-degree burns and was airlifted to a burn unit hospital in Plano. The other four individuals' injuries have not been specified.

  • The fire occurred on Monday afternoon.

The players

Jesse Cole Biscamp

A volunteer youth football coach from Kirbyville who was severely injured in the refinery fire and is currently fighting for his life.

Valero

The company that operates the refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma where the fire took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jesse has poured his time, heart, and energy into our kids and this community. He's coached, encouraged, and stood on those sidelines for our boys week after week. Now it's our turn to stand for him.”

— Kirbyville Youth Football Association (Facebook)

“Jesse is a fighter, a truly one of a kind soul with a spirit full of grit and determination. He's a beloved husband, father, son, brother, nephew and friend to so many.”

— Jesse Biscamp's Aunt (GoFundMe)

What’s next

Valero has not provided any updates on the condition of the other four individuals injured in the fire. The community is rallying to support Jesse Biscamp and his family as he recovers from his severe injuries.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and emergency preparedness at industrial facilities like refineries, where the potential for catastrophic accidents is high. It also highlights the need for strong community support systems to assist workers and their families in the aftermath of such tragedies.