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Superior, Wis.

Photos: Smoke, tension and evacuations follow Superior refinery fire

A large fireball erupts at the Husky Energy refinery.
A large fireball erupts during a series of fires and explosions at the Husky Energy refinery.
Clint Austin | Duluth News Tribune

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Authorities said a tank of crude oil or asphalt exploded at the Husky Engery refinery in Superior Thursday, prompting them to order the evacuation of a three-mile radius around the refinery, as well as a 10-mile corridor south of it in the smoke's path.

The fire started after the blast and explosions could be heard throughout the afternoon as firefighters backed away from the scene. Authorities were weighing what to do about asphalt burning at the plant, but by early evening, the fire was put out.

Correction (April 27, 2018): Ulla Gustafsson-Carlson's name was misspelled in an earlier version of this story.

Gallery
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The EPA set up an air quality monitoring station on N. 59th and Baxter Ave.
The Environmental Protection Agency set up an air quality monitoring station on North 59th Street and Baxter Avenue to monitor volatile compounds that may have been released from the Husky Energy oil refinery fire. Jim Mitchell, onsite coordinator with the EPA, said eight stations like this one were setup throughout the city to monitor air quality.
Derek Montgomery for MPR News
1 of 23
A large fireball erupts at the Husky Energy refinery.
A large fireball erupts during a series of fires and explosions at the Husky Energy refinery.
Clint Austin | Duluth News Tribune
2 of 23
Black liquid pours from a ruptured tank as seen from the air Thursday a.m.
A black liquid pours from a ruptured tank, seen from the air Thursday morning.
Bob King | Duluth News Tribune