On the night of March 1, a significant fire broke out within the State Refinery of Esmeraldas, located in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., when units from the Fire Department and ambulances were deployed to the industrial complex to manage the emergency. Eyewitnesses reported intense flames emanating from one of the operational units within the refinery's premises.

While videos shared on social media suggested that the fire might have originated in one of the fuel processing areas, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact source or cause of the blaze. In response to the potential dangers posed by the fire, the National Police took preventive measures by closing access points at key intersections around the refinery, including the Codesa roundabout and the Y-junction that leads to the refinery and Atacames.

This incident adds to concerns about safety protocols at the refinery and the potential environmental impact of such fires. The authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and assess any risks associated with continued operations at the refinery, especially given its importance to the region's economy and energy needs.