BILLINGS – The aftermath of the Conoco refinery fire has yet to be determined and the investigation is still in its beginning stages. Saturday, we talked to a resident whose family lives near the refinery.

The Thursday fire at the Conoco refinery had many people wondering what was going on.
Interstate traffic was slow as people watched the enormous flames blaze over the refinery and the black bellowing smoke rise across big sky country.

One Billings resident was across town when he got the call but when he arrived he could see the blaze from the upstairs bedroom window. "I was just worried for my family and we’ve all got to live somewhere and this just so happens that this is our home, so I just wanted to be protected," said Sylvester Kinsbrough.

Sylvester said he had previously worked at the refinery and knew the danger his family could be in. "Saw the big flame, black smoke and I was kind worried about my family because I know a little bit about the plant because I worked over there a few turn-around shifts," said Kinsbrough. He said he was relived to discover the location of the fire where he believed there would be no toxic fumes.

Officials say air quality was monitored throughout the event and the readings indicate there was no risk to public health. They say its difficult to pinpoint the cause of the blaze and no injuries were reported in the fire.