Fire fighters are on the scene at the ExxonMobil oil refinery, which has burst into flames sending plumes of smoke into the air. Drone footage shows the refinery ablaze. Workers have been told to seek shelter.

The plant is located in Harris County in the Gulf coast area of the Southern US state.

ExxonMobil is one of the world ‘d biggest international oil and gas companies.

Its headquarters are also located in Texas, in Irving.

Irving is north east of Dallas.

The company said in a statement: “A fire has occurred at our Baytown Olefins Plant and our fire team is working to extinguish the fire.

“We are conducting personnel accounting. Our first priority remains the safety of people, including out employees, contractors and the community.

“As a precaution, our industrial hygiene staff is conducting air quality monitoring at the site an at the fenceline, and we are operating with regulatory agencies.

“We regret any disruption or inconvenience this incident may have caused the community.”

Additional drone footage from CBS shows the area currently being cordoned off while emergency services flock to the scene.

The City of Baytown said in a statement: “The fire is in the unit that contains polypropylene material.

“Exxon has asked that a Shelter in Place be issued west of it’s plant and south of 330. Exxon advised this is out of an abundance of caution.”

This is a breaking news story.