Close call at Port of Tampa

A barge containing thousands of barrels of fuel caught fire while docked at the Port of Tampa this morning, and authorities say a massive explosion was spared by the barge's quick-thinking crew.

The Chemical Trade barge had been offloading different grades of diesel, unleaded and jet fuel to the Citgo Bulk Storage and Distribution Facility, 801 McCloskey Blvd., when Tampa Fire officials say a fire broke out in the vessel's pump room around 1:50 a.m.

As firefighters rushed to the facility, the barge's crew closed the pump room and activated the carbon dioxide gas extinguishing system, which put out the pump room fire. Officials said the situation was under control in little more than a half hour.

Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Bill Wade said the quick action from the ship's crew prevented the fire from spreading to the barge and the Citgo facility, which contains millions of gallons of fuel products.

One barge worker, described by authorities as a 49-year-old California man, was taken to Tampa General Hospital after he was treated at the port for second-degree burns to his arms and face.

Authorities have not determined what caused the fire.

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer