Damage From Industrial Fire at Oklahoma Port Estimated at $500K

Tulsa, Okla., fire officials say initial damage estimates after a raging industrial fire at a petroleum recycling facility at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa may be close to a half-million dollars.

But Fire Capt. Michael Baker says they managed to limit the environmental impact at the port after the Dec. 19 blaze. Baker says specialized absorbing buoys were placed in the river to contain any petroleum products from spreading outside the port.

More than three dozen firefighters responded to the Safety-Kleen Systems fire to battle the petroleum fire, which also was fueled by a ruptured natural gas line. After the gas was shut off, Baker says firefighters were able to get the remaining flames under control fairly quickly.

He says one firefighter received minor injuries when a water house coupling struck his leg.

Information from: The Oklahoman, www.newsok.com