MONAHANS, Texas – A pipeline explosion in Ward County sparked a massive fire that required the immediate attention of the Monahans Volunteer Fire Department and several other fire departments. Upon arriving at the scene at approximately 5 a.m., firefighters were faced with a challenging situation that required them to exercise caution and strategic planning.
MVFD Assistant Fire Chief John Bell described the scene as a very large fire that could be seen from a distance. Due to the nature of the fire being fueled by a pipeline explosion, firefighters had to adapt their approach and play the waiting game. The process involved notifying all oil companies involved in the incident and maintaining a safe distance from the blaze.
Unlike fires that occur naturally, fires resulting from a pipeline explosion present unique challenges. When gas is involved, firefighters must wait for the excess gas to burn off before they can safely approach and extinguish any remaining hotspots or structures. The duration of this waiting period varies depending on factors such as the size of the line and the amount of gas in the pipeline.
After about six hours of waiting for the fire to burn out, firefighters were able to proceed with extinguishing hotspots and damaged structures. Once the majority of the gas had burned off, firefighters could tackle the blaze like any other fire, preventing further spread. The incident primarily affected brush and an office building, which was described as a portable trailer measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed that the pipelines had been shut down, and air monitoring conducted by the fire department determined that TCEQ assistance was not required. This collaborative effort between agencies ensured the safety and efficiency of the firefighting operation. Overall, the successful containment and extinguishment of the fire highlighted the dedication and expertise of the responding fire departments.