Operations & Training

Oilfield Rig With Explosives Catches Fire in Calif.

Nov. 12, 2011

BUTTONWILLOW, Calif. -- An oilfield exploration rig that was carrying explosives caught fire Friday afternoon, shutting down part of Interstate 5. Kern County firefighters and hazmat crews were sent out to the intersection of Interstate 5 and Tracy Avenue near Buttonwillow after reports of a fire. Crews said that when they arrived, they heard an explosion and immediately secured the area. The driver of the rig told officials that there were detonators and explosives inside the vehicle.

BUTTONWILLOW, Calif. --

An oilfield exploration rig that was carrying explosives caught fire Friday afternoon, shutting down part of Interstate 5.

Kern County firefighters and hazmat crews were sent out to the intersection of Interstate 5 and Tracy Avenue near Buttonwillow after reports of a fire.

Crews said that when they arrived, they heard an explosion and immediately secured the area.

The driver of the rig told officials that there were detonators and explosives inside the vehicle.

The rig was quickly extinguished and the roads were reopened about 3:20 p.m.

There were no reported injuries.