Impossibility of Extinguishing a Fire at an Oil and Gas Field in Kazakhstan

The government of the Mangistau region in western Kazakhstan confirmed on Wednesday that officials are exploring possible ways to extinguish a fire that has been raging at a small oil and gas field since June 9. The authorities stated in a release that natural gas mixed with water continues to flow from the southern Karaturan field, making it impossible for fire trucks to approach. Local governor Norlan Nogayev has ordered officials to develop a plan to address the incident, stating that waiting for gas pressure to decrease on its own is not an option. Last week, 14 forestry workers died in a forest fire in the Abai region of Kazakhstan, leading to the dismissal of the emergency minister.