Shelter-in-place issued in 3-mile radius of Calcasieu Refining - KPLC

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - A shelter-in-place has been issued due to a crude oil tank fire at the Calcasieu Refining Company.

The order is for a 3-mile radius around Calcasieu Refining, according to Calcasieu OEP.

A mandatory evacuation has been issued for a 1.5-mile radius of the refinery, including all of the Graywood subdivision, Calcasieu OEP said.

The cause of the fire is a lightning strike, Calcasieu OEP said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidelines for staying safe during a shelter-in-place order:

Get Inside, Stay Inside
- Bring your loved ones, your emergency supplies, and when possible, your pets.
- Find a safe spot in this location. The exact spot will depend on the type of emergency,
- Stay put in this location until officials say that it is safe to leave.
Call or text your emergency contact.
- Let them know where you are if any family members are missing, and how you are doing.
Sheltering with pets
- Prepare a spot for your pets to poop and pee while inside the shelter. You will need plenty of plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies to deal with pet waste.
- Do not allow pets to go outside the shelter until the danger has passed.
Staying Put in Your Vehicle
- Pull over to the side of the road.
- Stay where you are until officials say getting back on the road is safe.
- Listen to the radio for updates and additional instructions.