Oil Well Ignites in Tennessee; Flames Seen for Miles

March 20, 2008

Tennessee authorities said at least one person has been burned and residents have been ordered to evacuate after an Anderson County oil well caught fire.

Firefighters from several departments were working to put out the blaze near Oliver Springs, Tenn., west of Oak Ridge, after it ignited Wednesday morning. Firefighters say the flames could be seen for miles.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Scott Stout said the fire was contained about 9 a.m.

Authorities say crews digging around the oil well Tuesday hit an intense pocket of pressure causing condensed oil to spew into the air.

TEMA said residents near the home were told to evacuate while others further away were ordered to stay in their homes.

The condition of the injured person was not immediately available.

Information from: WVLT-TV, http://www.volunteertv.com/ and WBIR-TV, http://www.wbir.com/

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