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Baku: A major fire has erupted at Azerbaijan’s only oil refinery in the capital city, prompting large-scale emergency response operations as authorities attempt to bring the blaze under control.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, firefighting teams were immediately dispatched to the site after the fire was reported. Emergency responders are actively engaged in containment efforts, while additional resources have been mobilised to prevent the spread of flames to nearby industrial facilities.

Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and investigations are expected to begin once the situation is fully stabilised. Authorities are prioritising the safety of personnel and surrounding infrastructure, given the strategic importance of the facility.

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The refinery is a key energy asset for Azerbaijan, with an annual processing capacity of approximately 6.5 million metric tons of crude oil and a daily output of around 130,000 barrels. Any disruption in its operations could potentially have implications for domestic fuel supply and industrial production.

Local media reports suggest that thick smoke was visible from several kilometres away, raising concerns among nearby residents. However, no official information regarding casualties or injuries has been released so far.

Emergency services have urged citizens to avoid the area and follow official updates as firefighting operations continue. Authorities are expected to issue a detailed statement once the fire is brought under control and initial assessments are completed.

The incident highlights the risks associated with large-scale industrial energy infrastructure, particularly in facilities handling highly flammable petroleum products. Observers note that such refineries require strict safety protocols, and even minor technical failures can lead to significant emergencies.

Further updates are expected as rescue and containment operations progress in the coming hours.