Storage tanks burn near Nageezi

 

KAYENTA

More than 30 temporary storage tanks are on fire this morning in San Juan Basin, New Mexico, after an explosion at an WPX Energy property, calling one family to evacuate.

“That’s what’s on fire right now,” said Kelly Swan, spokesman for WPX Energy, one of the most active energy producers in the state of New Mexico. “That is what is on fire right now.”

The cause though is unknown. There are no reported injuries.

Swan says when the explosion occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on Monday, there was no drilling going on and there was no drilling rig at the property located near the intersection of County Road 7890 and U.S. Highway 550 near Nageezi, New Mexico.

“The immediate priority is the safety of the immediate community (where a majority of the residents are Diné allottees),” Swan said.

One family living adjacent to the 5-acre WPX property has been evacuated a couple of hours ago, Swan said.

The fire though will burn for several more hours.

“Right now, the fire is intense enough that it is safest for the firefighters to establish a perimeter around the site, that no body can get access to it,” Swan added. “(The) first order of business is let the fire burn out itself. That’s the safest thing for everyone.”

The Nageezi Chapter is currently serving as a safe haven this morning for members of the community.

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