Continental Resources Inc. reported the Moseley 105H, a conventional natural gas well, caught on fire Sept. 19 at 10 p.m., and the safest solution is to allow the well to continue burning for several days. Wild Well Control is supervising a managed burn.
The well is near the town of Watonga in Blaine County, Okla., about 70 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. No injuries were reported. Representatives from the state and federal agencies were notified. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
“It is possible the well could continue to burn for several days before the damaged rig can be cleared and the fire is extinguished,” said Continental Resources, which operates the well.
Patterson-UTI Drilling LLC owns and operates the drilling rig, the Patterson 179. Initially 7-8 homes were evacuated in a 2-mile perimeter around the well. The perimeter has been moved to within 1 mile for public safety.