Oil and natural gas exploration and production company Anadarko Petroleum has shut down 3,000 vertical gas wells across north-east Colorado in the aftermath of a fire tragedy in the town of Firestone that claimed the lives of two people.
The fire accident occurred on 17 April, approximately 200ft away from where the company operates an older, vertical well that was drilled by a previous operator in 1993.
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In a response issued following the tragedy, the company said it is cooperating with fire officials and state regulatory agencies in their investigations.
The wells have a total production of about 13,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day and will remain closed until the company can conduct inspection and testing of the associated equipment.
The process is expected to be completed in two to four weeks.
Anadarko US onshore exploration and production senior vice president Brad Holly said: "Our teams will remain actively engaged with residents in the Firestone community.
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By GlobalData"Colorado residents must feel safe in their own homes, and I want to be clear that we are committed to understanding all that we can about this tragedy as we work with each investigating agency until causes can be determined."
Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the cause of the fire accident.
Frederick-Firestone fire protection district fire chief Theodore Poszywak said: “We will continue to gather and analyse evidence to determine the origin and cause of the event. While the well in the vicinity is one aspect of the investigation, this is a complex investigation and the origin and cause of the fire have not been determined.
“It is vital to note that as a top priority, officials have determined there is no threat to surrounding homes and have been in contact with nearby residents.”
