Extinguishing of Kuwaiti oil fires - Challenges, technology, and success

In this paper, the challenges faced by the fire fighting companies in extinguishing fire in Kuwaiti oilfields are summarized. Various techniques adopted in extinguishing the fires and capping the wells are also discussed. The paper also summarizes the preparations made to extinguish the oil wells in a much shorter period than was initially anticipated. Statistics on the resources and manpower required and the economic losses are also compiled in this paper. Due to uncontrolled flow of the mixture of oil, gas, and water from high pressured oilfield, the damage caused to the reservoirs is also summarized.