1 Dead, 4 Injured in Ardmore Valero Refinery Fire

Blaze at Oklahoma facility leaves one worker dead, several others hospitalized with serious injuries.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A fire at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma has claimed the life of one worker, Jesse Biscamp, and left at least four other employees hospitalized with serious injuries. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but one injured worker plans to pursue legal action against the company, alleging possible safety violations.

Why it matters

Refinery fires are a serious concern due to the volatile nature of the materials and processes involved. This incident raises questions about worker safety protocols and emergency response procedures at the facility, as well as the potential for legal action against the company.

The details

The fire broke out on Monday night at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, located about 100 miles south of Oklahoma City. Jesse Biscamp was among the five workers sent to the hospital after the fire, but he later died from his injuries. At least four other workers remain hospitalized, including Cesar and Max Silva, who suffered second- and third-degree burns according to their families' GoFundMe pages. An attorney representing one of the injured workers said his client was hurt while trying to rescue coworkers from the flames, describing the scene as 'chaotic' and 'like a war zone'.

  • The fire occurred on Monday night.
  • Jesse Biscamp later died from his injuries sustained in the fire.

The players

Jesse Biscamp

A worker at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma who died from injuries sustained in the fire.

Cesar Silva

A worker at the Valero refinery who was hospitalized with second- and third-degree burns.

Max Silva

A worker at the Valero refinery who was hospitalized with second- and third-degree burns.

Ryan Zehl

An attorney with the Houston-based firm Zehl & Associates who is representing one of the injured workers.

Valero

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

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What they’re saying

“It is chaotic. It's scary. Your life is on the line. I have not been in combat, but the closest thing that comes to mind is, you know, like a war zone.”

— Ryan Zehl, Attorney (News9)

What’s next

An official cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Valero said it is cooperating with state and local agencies investigating the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the inherent dangers of refinery operations and the critical importance of robust safety protocols and emergency response procedures to protect workers. The potential for legal action against the company also underscores the need for rigorous oversight and accountability in the industry.