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Steve Kherkher - July 10, 2025
When a refinery fire or explosion lights up the sky, the danger doesn’t end when the flames die out. As we saw with the recent Marathon refinery fire in El Paso, nearby residents were left in the dark – literally and figuratively – after plumes of fire and smoke poured from two stacks without warning. The air smelled of burnt oil, no alerts were issued, and residents struggled to reach anyone for answers.
Unfortunately, this type of industrial incident is far from rare. Refineries are inherently hazardous due to the flammable chemicals they process, and when safety systems fail or malfunctions occur, the consequences can be devastating for workers and surrounding communities.
At Kherkher Garcia, petrochemical injury attorneys understand the serious risks associated with refinery accidents. We help workers and residents seek justice, hold refineries accountable, and recover the compensation they deserve.
Residents living near the Marathon Refinery in El Paso are demanding answers and better communication after large plumes of fire and smoke were seen coming from the facility on July 8. Many reported the air smelled like burnt oil and expressed frustration that the refinery did not issue any alerts or provide a clear point of contact.
Community members are now calling on Marathon to hold a public meeting, establish a real-time alert system, provide a 24/7 contact line, release regular monitoring data, and install neighborhood air quality monitors specifically for carcinogens.
Marathon Refinery stated the flaring was caused by a power outage from a third-party provider and emphasized that flaring is a safety measure. The company claims no injuries occurred, air monitoring showed no off-site impacts, and it maintains a 24-hour contact number. However, local advocates stress that even if regulations weren’t violated, residents were still exposed to potentially harmful emissions and deserve timely information and protection.
Refineries process crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other products using high heat, pressure, and complex chemical reactions. These facilities store and transport large quantities of flammable substances, making them high-risk environments. Common causes of refinery fires and explosions include:
When something goes wrong, fires can ignite rapidly and explosions can destroy equipment, buildings, and lives in an instant. Flares – used to burn off excess gas during emergency conditions – may help prevent worse outcomes, but they also release toxic chemicals into the air.
Even smaller incidents can emit hazardous fumes like benzene, sulfur dioxide, and other carcinogens, which pose serious health risks for anyone nearby.
Injuries to Workers: Refinery workers are especially vulnerable during a fire or explosion. Injuries may include:
In many cases, injured workers face long-term disabilities, loss of income, and overwhelming medical expenses.
Harm to Nearby Residents: People living near refineries may be exposed to dangerous air pollutants, especially when fires are not promptly reported or addressed. Symptoms can include:
Residents may also suffer emotional distress, property damage, or a reduced quality of life due to living near a hazardous facility.
Refineries are responsible for maintaining safe operations, not only for workers, but also for the surrounding community. When a refinery fails to follow safety protocols, maintain its equipment, or communicate emergency situations properly, it can be held liable for the resulting harm.
Potentially Liable Parties Include:
An experienced attorney can conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident and identify all liable parties.
The Marathon Refinery fire is one of many serious incidents that have raised public concern. It is not the first Marathon incident to raise alarms; but other major oil and gas companies are also under fire:
These incidents highlight the dangers of inadequate safety procedures and the importance of corporate accountability.
Whether you are a refinery worker or a nearby resident, a refinery fire or explosion can change your life in an instant. Victims often face resistance from refinery owners, insurance companies, and corporate legal teams that prioritize profit over people.
At Kherkher Garcia, we advocate fiercely for our clients. Our attorneys can:
We also represent community members who have been exposed to toxic emissions or forced to live under the constant threat of another industrial accident.
Yes. Exposure to toxic substances—even without visible injuries—can have serious long-term health effects. You may be entitled to compensation for medical testing, monitoring, emotional distress, and more.
It depends. Workers’ compensation may limit your ability to sue your direct employer, but if a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) contributed to your injuries, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Each state has its own statute of limitations, which is typically between one and three years from the date of injury or exposure. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Even if no formal violation occurred, you still have the right to pursue a claim if you experienced harm. Corporate compliance with minimum regulations doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t liable for negligence or damage caused by their operations.
Living or working near a refinery shouldn’t mean living in fear. When companies fail to protect their workers and neighbors, they must be held accountable.
If you or a loved one was affected by a refinery fire, explosion, or toxic exposure, contact Kherkher Garcia today. Our skilled legal team has decades of experience fighting major corporations and securing justice for victims of industrial negligence. We will listen to your story, investigate your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation – 713-333-1030. You can also request more information by submitting our online contact form.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
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