An explosion at Valero’s Port Arthur refinery on March 24, 2026, caused a major fire, triggered evacuations, and disrupted operations, with no injuries but ongoing investigation.

An explosion at Valero’s Port Arthur, Texas, oil refinery on March 24, 2026, triggered a large fire and thick black smoke visible for miles, prompting a shelter-in-place order for west-side residents. Emergency crews responded, with no injuries reported, though the cause remains under investigation. Authorities suspect the blast involved an industrial heater unit, and road closures were implemented near Highways 82 and 87. Air quality is being monitored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the refinery’s operations have been disrupted, contributing to rising oil and gas prices.