Continental Resources says natural gas well burning in Oklahoma

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.

Paula Dittrick

Sept. 21, 2011

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.

About the Author

Paula Dittrick

Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.