Patterson-UTI Drilling Release Statement On Howard Co. Oil Rig Fire

"This morning, a fire appears to have originated from third-party equipment and spread to one of our drilling rigs in west Texas.  The local fire department extinguished the fire, all onsite personnel are accounted for and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but we can confirm that this was not a well control incident. We remain committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees and others we work with in the field."

An oil rig caught on fire in Howard County at around 9:30 a.m.

The Howard County Volunteer Fire Department told us that the fire was put out at around 12:30 p.m.

The Howard County VFD and emergency personnel from Martin County and Dawson County responded to the fire.

The fire was at a Patterson rig, number 289, near the intersection of West County Road 52 and County Road 50.

Patterson has confirmed there were no injuries.

Source: NewsWest9