An asphalt tank caught fire at the Sinclair Oil Refinery in Sinclair on Saturday, putting thick plumes of dramatic black smoke into the air that were seen for miles, and stirring fear online that the town or refinery might be in danger.

But Lenny Layman, Carbon County Emergency Management coordinator, told Cowboy State Daily there is no reason for fear. Firefighters are on scene and in control of the blaze, which Layman said does not pose a threat to the refinery or town.

Officials closed the east side of Wyoming Highway 76 near the refinery out of “an abundance of caution,” Layman said.

“At this time, there’s no risk to the community or town of Sinclair,” Layman said at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Layman said authorities are monitoring for burning asphalt to bubble up from the fire and

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