Not many really understand the mechanics of oilfield fires, you can't just run in and slap some water on it expecting it to extinguish, however the media in all it's glory at times reports such craziness as this or makes comments about when the local fire departments will be in "to put some water on the flames".
Oilfield fires are a totally different beast than your average fire. So many reasons for this but to keep things basic and this post from going on for days and days I am just going to give a very basic overview of them.
The John Wayne movie, Hellfighters, based on the life of Red Adair the true pioneer in oil field firefighting and the inventor of the Athey Wagon...
did in a way glamorize the life and the job however it brought attention to a highly specialized, unique and incredibly dangerous job.
In my years in safety in the oilfield I have attended well control school as well as a week long class put on by Wild Well Control regarding oilfield fires I am not a oilfield firefighter nor do I claim to be one nor would I EVER want to do it. You will see why in a little bit... read on...
This is a special breed of people who are willing to go in to a well that has blown out and the company has complete loss of well control with a small piece of tin in front of them , yes a small piece of tin or a tin shed ( watch the video below you will be shocked at all they use... to douse the fire and the ground in water, so they can bring in special equipment such as a Athey wagon..which has many attachments that aid in the firefighting tasks.
The Capping a Blowout video shows exactly what an Athey wagon is and how it is used.. Interesting clip take a few min. to view it!
The following book also shows several instances and pictures and goes into way more detail regarding well control. Interesting read and FREE on Google Books!!!
It is important to know that there are specialist in this and they are the ones who need to be utilized both onshore and offshore when big well control issues arise. Boots N Coots formed by Red Adair has since merged with Halliburton. The most common one out there today is Wild Well Control based out of Houston, TX.
This really is fascinating stuff that there are specialist for, most local fire departments do not have individuals trained nor do they have access to the equipment required to no only control the fire but also which is the main concern and that is control the well.
As always have a great week and stay safe peeps!
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