Shell confirms tank fire

Plumes of smoke were reported to be coming from the Shell Chemicals site by German news outlets and through social media yesterday.

Today Shell confirmed that there was a fire in a toulene tank that began at around 15.00 local time, and was put out by firefighters just over an hour later at 16.15.

“First measurements show no indication of the release of hazardous substances,” said a Shell spokesman.

“There are no injuries to people. The refinery management sincerely regrets this incident.”

The Cologne-Godorf refinery primarily manufactures benzene, toluene and xtlenes. It has been in operation since 1960.