Monday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 |Photo – Fire at HF Sinclair Refinery – Courtesy Chris BezoldA swollen plume of black smoke billowed from Sinclair Oil Refinery late Saturday morning after an asphalt tank caught fire. Although the fire did not pose a threat, the massive column of black, oily smoke towering above the industrial plant and Interstate 80 around noon caused widespread alarm. Flames could be seen at the base of the column of smoke as the asphalt burned. Firefighters were on hand to put any spot fires that might develop as northerly winds pushed the column of smoke to the south. Foam was used to extinguish the flames, and the fire was reported out shortly after 1 p.m.