Monahans, Texas – Firefighters in Monahans faced a challenging task after a pipeline explosion ignited a massive blaze in Ward County. Upon reaching the scene, the Monahans Volunteer Fire Department encountered a daunting sight, prompting them to maintain a safe distance and coordinate with oil companies involved in the incident.
A key factor that made combating the fire particularly difficult was the presence of gas, which required firefighters to adopt a patient approach. Unlike natural fires, those fueled by gas necessitate a waiting period for the fuel to burn off before they can be fully extinguished. Assistant Fire Chief John Bell emphasized the importance of cooperation with gas companies in controlling the situation, highlighting the need to secure the area and monitor the valves before commencing firefighting efforts.
The duration of this waiting game varied depending on factors such as the intensity of the fire, the size of the pipeline, and the amount of gas present. Bell stressed that the timeline for tackling such fires could range from hours to potentially days, underscoring the complex nature of dealing with gas-fueled incidents.
Following the controlled burning of excess gas and the subsequent extinguishing of hotspots, firefighters were able to approach the affected structures and contain the fire. Bell recounted the hours spent monitoring the situation, waiting for the opportune moment to address the blaze and prevent its spread to nearby areas.
Once the fire had burned off a significant amount of gas, firefighters transitioned to a more conventional firefighting approach, swiftly extinguishing the remaining hotspots. Despite the challenges posed by the blaze, Bell noted that the incident ultimately resulted in the destruction of some brush and an office building, which was promptly contained to prevent further damage.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provided updates on the shutdown of the pipelines and confirmed that air monitoring conducted by the fire department indicated no immediate need for assistance. With the situation under control and the blaze successfully contained, the focus shifted to assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of the surrounding areas.