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Family of Worker Killed in Oklahoma Refinery Fire Files Lawsuit
Lawsuit seeks emergency restraining order to preserve evidence
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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The family of a Texas worker who died after a fire at a refinery in Oklahoma has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Valero Energy Corporation, Valero Refining-Texas, L.P., and UPS Industrial Services, LLC. The lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to provide a safe workplace, failed to properly train and supervise workers, failed to warn of dangerous conditions, and violated applicable safety standards, including OSHA regulations. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and exemplary damages, alleging the companies acted with conscious indifference to worker safety. The filing also requests a temporary restraining order to preserve critical evidence, including equipment involved in the incident and related records, to allow for a full investigation.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing concerns around worker safety and accountability in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the wake of catastrophic incidents that result in loss of life. The lawsuit seeks to uncover the root causes of the refinery fire and hold the responsible parties accountable for alleged failures to protect their employees.
The details
According to the petition, Jesse Biscamp was working for UPS Industrial Services at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma on or about February 9, 2026, when a sudden fire erupted. Biscamp suffered severe injuries and died two days later, on February 11. The lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to provide a safe workplace, failed to properly train and supervise workers, failed to warn of dangerous conditions, and violated applicable safety standards, including OSHA regulations.
- On or about February 9, 2026, a fire erupted at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
- On February 11, 2026, Jesse Biscamp died from injuries sustained in the refinery fire.
The players
Jesse Biscamp
A Texas worker who died after a fire at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
Valero Energy Corporation
An American multinational oil and gas company that owns and operates the refinery where the incident occurred.
Valero Refining-Texas, L.P.
A subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation that operates the refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
UPS Industrial Services, LLC
The company that employed Jesse Biscamp at the time of the incident.
What they’re saying
“'Jesse was a devoted husband and father, a loving and dependable son, and a true family man.'”
— Joe Glenn Kahla, Attorney
“'Valero has restricted access to evidence by unilaterally moving inspection dates and limiting what equipment our experts can bring on site to conduct our investigation. Each stakeholder must get equal access to the evidence.'”
— Mo Aziz, Attorney
What’s next
The judge will decide on the request for a temporary restraining order to preserve evidence related to the incident.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges around worker safety and accountability in the oil and gas industry, particularly when it comes to investigating the causes of catastrophic incidents that result in loss of life. The lawsuit seeks to uncover the root causes of the refinery fire and hold the responsible parties accountable for alleged failures to protect their employees.
