Unocal Alaska anticipates that its King Salmon platform in northern Cook Inlet will be back in full production between April 27 and May 10 after a fire Saturday, Unocal Alaska spokeswoman Roxanne Sinz told PNA today.
The fire started about 3:30 p.m. April 20 when gas was released during well work, Sinz said. The cause is still under investigation, she said.
Four people were injured. Three were treated at local hospitals and released. The fourth person was sent to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle as a precautionary measure and was reported to be in stable condition yesterday with a burn to his hand and a burn to his face, Sinz said.
Of the workers treated and released, one received a shoulder injury, one was treated for smoke inhalation and one received a first-degree burn.
The fire occurred while crews were replacing a pump in the well and the well and platform immediately ceased operations.
Although the U.S. Coast Guard responded, workers on board the platform put out the fire within 45 minutes.
"We're very proud of employees because they responded in accordance with the emergency training they have received," Sinz said.
Sinz also said that Unocal was pleased with the cooperation the company received from governmental and regulatory agencies.
The platform had been producing 7,000 barrels per day of crude oil gross, as well as natural gas which is used as fuel on the platform. Unocal said no oil was spilled.
Fifty-two workers were on the platform at the time of the incident. Twenty-six non-essential personnel were evacuated by helicopter to nearby platforms within the hour.
The King Salmon platform is 55 miles southwest of Anchorage and 24 miles northwest of Kenai.
