north slope fire -- UPDATE		08/16/02		donaldson

An gas explosion and fire at B-Pís A-Pad in the western part of Prudhoe Bay this morning has injured one oil field worker.
The well site operator -- who has not yet been identified -- suffered burns to his face, hands and arms.   After treatment at the B-P clinic in Prudhoe Bay -- he was transported to Providence Hospital.  He was reported conscious and in stable condition.  There were no further injuries. 
The fire was discovered by a security guard a little after two this morning (Friday).   It was put out and the gas leak was stopped at eight oíclock. 
B-P  immediately stopped production at the site.   Company spokesman Ronnie Chapel says a full investigation is getting underway.
# northslope1	:18	We donít know ... taking corrective action
Department of Environmental Conservation investigators did not find any indication of oil spillage at the site.  
A-Pad produces eleven thousand barrels of crude per day. 
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