I have had one personal experience with a refinery fire and that was more than enough.
In October 1979 my frigate was anchored about one mile offshore from the Milazzo refinery near Catania, Sicily. We were there to escort the oiler, USNS Mississinewa (T-AO-144) who was taking on fuel at the pier.
We were getting ready for evening colors when there was an explosion somewhere in the refinery. In 15 minutes we were facing a wall of fire 2-3 miles wide in front of us. You could feel the heat on your face.
We went to General Quarters and brought the anchor to short stay thinking that we might have to go in and tow the Mississinewa out since at least half their civilian crew were out in town on liberty.
Fortunately the remaining crew cut the mooring lines and managed to back out into the bay and drop anchor. It was a tense night. Fortunately there was little wind but it did stink.
WWG1WGA
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)