Fire breaks out on evacuated Gulf gas well
Fire has broken out on a blown-out Gulf of Mexico gas well, a federal official has just confirmed.
Natural gas spewing from the Hercules 265 drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico about 55 miles off the Louisiana off the coast of Louisiana, Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Photo released by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
The drilling rig operated by Walter Oil & Gas was evacuated early Tuesday after the blowout occurred; the fire broke out late Tuesday.
“All 44 personnel on board have been safely evacuated and are being transported to a secure location. No injuries have been reported. No oil has been released.” Walter Oil & Gas said in a statement.
Earlier The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) posted the following statement on their website:
BSEE Responds to Well Control Event at South Timbalier Block 220, 55 miles offshore Louisiana
July 23, 2013– The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is responding to a report of a loss of well control 55 miles offshore Louisiana in 154 feet of water. Walter Oil & Gas this morning reported the loss of control of Well A-3 on an unmanned platform at South Timbalier Block 220 while doing completion work on the sidetrack well to prepare the well for production. The well is flowing gas and no oil is being released. The operator reports that 44 personnel have been evacuated safely from the Hercules 265 jack-up rig.
BSEE inspectors conducting an overflight reported a light sheen one-half mile by 50 feet in area which is dissipating almost immediately. BSEE inspectors will remain at a near-by platform to keep abreast of the situation. BSEE is closely monitoring Walter Oil & Gas’ mobilization of its response efforts to stop the flow of gas and secure the well.
BSEE is closely coordinating with the Coast Guard and other federal agencies on response efforts.
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Other Major Disasters/ Significant Events
Lake County, Ohio, Declared Disaster Area after Extensive Flooding
Officials have declared the Lake County a disaster area, after flooding hit many cities in the County on Saturday affecting thousands of residents, and damaging at least 3,000 homes.
The heaviest flood damage occurred in the western half of Lake County from Wickliffe to Mentor, officials stated.
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Warm Springs wildfire spreads, more Oregon homes evacuated
The Sunnyside Turnoff fire started at about 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 along Highway 3 near Warm Springs, Oregon. Unseasonably hot weather, coupled with low humidities and strong winds caused the fire to escape initial and extended attack efforts. Inciweb reported.
“Firefighters evacuated about 40 homes in the Warm Springs area Sunday afternoon as a raging wildfire spread across thousands of acres of open country on the Indian reservation,” said a report.
Fire crews had earlier evacuated 200 homes, according to reports.
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Wildfire forces Idaho’s Redfish Lake campers and gusts to evacuate
The 210 Road Fire, which ignited Monday, has consumed about a square mile of pine and brush in the Sawtooth National Forest.
Officials have evacuated the campgrounds on the lake’s southern edge and guests staying at the Redfish Lake Lodge located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, said a report.
There are currently 11 major wildfires burning tens of thousands of acres across southern and eastern Idaho, fueled by drought, high temperatures and low humidity. The blazes include Papoose Fire, Ridge Fire, Brown Butte, Thunder City, Lodgepole, Rough Creek, Gold Pan, Pine Creek Fire, Bradley and Summit Fire.
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The Disaster President Signs Missouri Disaster Declaration
The Disaster President has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 29 to June 10, 2013.
The areas most severely affected were the counties of Barton, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clark, Howard, Iron, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Maries, Marion, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, and Webster.
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NW China Earthquake Update
Death has climbed to at least 95 after a 6.6-magnitude quake followed by a significant aftershock struck NW China on Monday.
“As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the number of people that have been treated by medical institutions was 1,243, including 185 patients reported to be in a serious or critical status,” said a report.
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UPDATED: Wednesday, 24 July 2013, 16:09
Severe Storms and Hail Damage up to 90% of France’s Burgundy Vine
Tuesday’s storms have damaged or destroyed up to 90 percent of the vines, threatening output for both the 2013 and 2014 vintages, said a report quoting producers.
“It is awful to see these vines ripped by hail and several years of wine growers’ work destroyed by the weather in one afternoon,” said the head of France’s independent wine makers.
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Fire Earth 