Explosion at refinery in Artesia New Mexico successfully extinguished

Update (1:26 PM): According to the Artesia Police Department, the explosion at the HF Sinclair Navajo Refinery has been successfully extinguish by the emergency response teams. All city and county emergency services have cleared the area.

Highways and surrounding roads are now open and are safe for travel. Air quality and safety conditions are being monitored by the HF Sinclair Navajo Refinery.

ARTESIA, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Artesia Police Department is currently responding to an explosion at the HF Sinclair Navajo Refinery.

Police are urging the community to stay clear of the refinery area and avoid locations that are being affected by the thick smoke coming from the plant.

They are asking anyone in the path of the smoke to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

Emergency services are on scene and will provide more information as it becomes available.