Texas Oil Rig Fire Damage Estimated in Millions

Officials expect that a Central Texas oil rig fire will take all week to extinguish.

The rig is situated in a rural area near the Central Texas town of Milano, about 60 miles northeast of Austin. Milam County Chief Deputy Chris White tells The Eagle of Bryan-College Station that damage to the site from the 3 a.m. Sunday eruption could exceed several million dollars.

White says Oklahoma City Slawson Exploration Inc. set up the drilling platform around Oct. 14 and had 11 workers at the site, none of whom were injured.

Firefighters from four nearby volunteer fire departments are supporting the effort by specialists from the Houston-based company Boots and Coots to quell the flames.

Milam County Sheriff David Greene said there’s no threat to the surrounding area.