Storage Oil Tank Fire Accidents (The Sidra Oil Port Fire Accident Case Study, In Libya 2014)

الملخص

Large outdoor crude oil storage tank fires pose substantial risks, including severe property damage, economic disruption, and environmental harm. Storage facilities, such as oil warehouses, supply depots, and surrounding areas, are particularly hazardous due to the flammable and volatile nature of their contents. In 2014, a significant fire occurred at the Sidra Oil Port in Libya, triggered by armed conflict. This study assesses the response of the port administration and firefighting personnel to the incident through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings reveal that 94% of personnel lacked adequate training in combating oil storage tank fires, severely impairing their response efficiency during the crisis. Alarmingly, 68% of workers reported that they had not received the necessary training even after the incident, highlighting systemic neglect by the port administration and the associated company in managing fire-related risks. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that not all 19 oil storage tanks at the Sidra Oil Port were equipped with automatic fire alarm systems, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention measures and improved safety protocols to mitigate future emergencies.