GREAT OIL FIRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9507, 6 May 1911, Page 7

GREAT OIL FIRE.

A TERRIBLE CONFLAGRATION.

The great oil well in the Potrero del Llano field, 85 miles south-east of Tampico, in Mexico, which caught fire three days previously, was still burning on the 19th January, with apparently no hope of the flames being extinguished. At tho time tho oil was- ignited the well was flowing more than 150,000 barrels a day, its output having increased by more than 40,000 barrels since the strike, was made on January 3.' The well is owned bv the Mexican Eagle Petroleum Company. The burning well is even more spectacular than the famous Dos Bocas gusher in that same section, years ago. The country and gulf for 100 miles around are covered by smoke.' The column of flames and 6moke ascends into tho air for more than 10,000 feet. The (lame is plainly seen for miles at sea. The heat is so intense that it is impossible to get near tho burning well. Tho oil and gases have poisoned tho water of surrounding streams, and horses and cattle arc dying. Vegetation of all kinds has been killed, and the whole surrounding country is.being deserted by tho residents, who ,aro fearing that the air will'be poisoned, by the gases, as was the case at tho Don Bpcas fire. Those who 'arc in the district say the fire is likely to ruin the whole oil field,