(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There are no reports of injuries after BP's refinery in Whiting, Indiana was evacuated Thursday because of a power outage.
Whiting Mayor Steve Spebar said BP evacuated the refinery with the help of local firefighters out of an "abundance of caution."
Roads surrounding the refinery were shut down to help with the evacuation.
Spebar says the power outage led to the refinery burning off some of its product, which led to flaring from stacks. He said that’s normal procedure.
Investigators say atmospheric tests around the refinery found no threat to the public.
The evacuation came after recent complaints from many residents in Whiting of strong odors.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said those odors were likely caused by leaks at the refinery caused by extremely cold weather.
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