Lightning Touches Off Crude Oil Storage Tank in Mississippi

Fire erupted in a crude oil storage tank at an oil well site in south central Mississippi Tuesday evening, the Collins Fire Department reports.

At shortly past 5 p.m., fire broke out at a producing oil well site south of Bassfield. Joining Bassfield in the mutual aid response was Prentiss, Goodhope, Granby and Collins fire department, the CFD Facebook page reports.

Upon arrival crews found a 350-barrel crude oil storage tank ablaze and three adjacent tanks at risk. The tank immediately neighboring the burning tank was suffering heavy flame impingement.

Lightning is the suspected cause, the Facebook page states.

CFD responded with its industrial firefighting response trailers. Working together the fire crews established a water supply and were able to apply firefighting foam to extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported.

“The Collins Fire Department remains ready to assist our neighboring Counties, Cities, Towns & Communities whenever our services can be of assistance,” a statement on Facebook reads. “We are always willing & proud to help our neighbors at any time!”