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Blaze rips through oil refinery near Chicago

A fire erupted at an oil refinery southwest of Chicago Wednesday night, sending shooting flames into the sky.

The blaze began around 7:40 p.m. local time (8.40 p.m. ET) at a Citgo refinery in Lemont, Ill. 

Employees said they heard a hissing sound and a loud explosion before the fire started, according to NBC Chicago.

However, the fire was brought under control before it caused any injuries or evacuations.

"The refinery is conducting air monitoring and is working closely with Will County Emergency Management and local fire departments," Citgo said in a statement issued late Wednesday. "The safety of our employees and the surrounding community remains our first priority."

A company spokesman said Citgo's own fire department and local firefighters helped bring the fire under control.

An "all clear" message was sent at 9:45 p.m. (10:45 pm. ET), according to the Chicago Sun-Times