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Denver fire: Suncor refinery blaze in Commerce City sparks panic; videos surface
A massive fire broke out at the Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City, near Denver, Colorado, on Monday afternoon. Black smoke was visible from across Denver and social media users posted videos and panic, while authorities had not issued an official update at publication.
Why It Matters
The incident involves a major refinery near a major metropolitan area, with visible smoke and widespread social-media activity highlighting information challenges during emergencies.
Timeline
5 Events
Videos of the fire surface on social media
May 11, 2026
Videos of the fire surfaced on social media.
Denver Fire Department has not issued an update
May 11, 2026
Denver Fire Department has not yet issued an update on the situation.
Public reaction on social media follows blaze
May 11, 2026
Many people posted panic messages on social media in response to the blaze.
Black smoke visible from north and south Denver
May 11, 2026
The black smoke from the fire was visible from both north and south Denver.
Fire reported at Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City; blaze begins
May 11, 2026
A massive fire reportedly broke out at the Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City, adjacent to Denver, Colorado, on Monday afternoon.