Residents of Regina's north end were jolted awake early Tuesday morning by a significant explosion at the Consumers' Co-operative Refinery, leaving many shaken as the blast reverberated through homes as far as two kilometers away. The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 AM CST on March 25, 2025, near gate No. 3 on 9th Avenue North, close to McDonald Street.
As the sun began to rise, emergency alarm horns were activated at the refinery, their blaring echoing across the north end of the city for more than 15 minutes. Eyewitness accounts detailed how the shockwave not only rattled buildings but was also strong enough to impact adjacent structures, including the Global News building nearby.
"I heard a loud boom, which made the pictures on my wall rattle," recounted Regina resident Isaac Cicansky, who lives on Froom Crescent. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke billowing from the site, prompting immediate concern among residents.
The Regina Fire Department quickly mobilized to the scene, with reports indicating they were called to assist the refinery’s own firefighters shortly after the explosion. By 6 AM CST, the fire, which was still burning, was under control thanks to the preparedness and quick response of the refinery's fire crews, supported by city firefighters.
Assistant Chief Glenn Wagner of Regina Fire & Protective Services stated that firefighters were actively cooling an area and isolating gas lines nearby. There was no indication that high-pressure lines were involved, which mitigated the risk of a more substantial incident. The available data confirmed that no injuries had been reported, and no structures were damaged as a result of the explosion.
Fire crews continued to burn off extra product in the lines following the initial blast, ensuring that the area was safe for operations. The fire department maintained a standby mode throughout the incident in case additional assistance was required.
Incidentally, this is not the first instance of a serious event occurring at this refinery. Historical records show that there was a fire at the facility in 2020, quickly extinguished, and another explosion occurred on Christmas Eve in 2014 due to a frozen, ruptured pipe. These past incidents add an alarming context to the most recent explosion and fire.
Motorists were advised to steer clear of the vicinity while emergency crews worked to secure the scene. The Regina Police Service confirmed they were on-site to help manage traffic and provide support to the fire department.
The explosion and ensuing fire serve as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with refinery operations. Local authorities have indicated that they will investigate the cause of this explosion thoroughly to prevent any future occurrences.
Regina's emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety of the community remains the top priority. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any irregular activities around industrial areas.
As the smoke clears on another incident at the refinery, residents are left with unanswered questions concerning safety protocols and emergency preparedness in place at such a critical facility. Moving forward, Regina officials face the challenging task of reinforcing safety measures while maintaining the operational effectiveness of the refinery, a vital resource for the city.
