A large fire broke out at Red River Supply, an oilfield supply company in Williston in the early morning hours on Tuesday July 22. First reports of explosions were at about 12:15 in the morning.
Fire officials decided to let the fire burn itself out because of the nearness to the Little Muddy River. Water runoff from fighting the fire would be contaminated with oil and other chemicals which would then drain into the river.
Published reports say flames are still visible at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. It was burning itself out Tuesday afternoon. An AP report at about 6 a.m. Wednesday says the fire is out.
No reports of injury.
Cause of fire is unknown.
Red River Supply has been operating in Williston since about 1970.
Articles visible from local papers:
- Dickinson Press – Williston business erupts into flames: Air quality monitored in Oil Patch city
- Bismarck Tribune – Cause of fire at Williston company unknown (AP report)
- Bismarck Tribune – North Dakota oil supply plant fire extinguished (AP)
- Williston Herald – Massive blast closes Highway 1804
- Williston Herald – Details on Red River fire emerge
- Williston Herald – City awaiting air and water reports