Fatal Ohio BP Refinery Fire Linked to Gas Vapor Release (1)

The fatal fire at BP PLC’s Oregon, Ohio, refinery may have begun with the release of a flammable gas from a large tank used to remove liquids from vapors, the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said Monday.

The Sept. 20 fire killed two plant employees—brothers Ben and Max Morrissey—and severely damaged the plant where refinery operations haven’t restarted.

The Chemical Safety Board’s statement said the agency is examining valves and piping connected to a “fuel gas mix drum” where liquid is separated from flammable vapors.

Investigators are focusing on the release of flammable naphtha gas from the drum ...