Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2003

Audio Clip

Sen. Nancy Riley

Senator Nancy Riley Coordinating With DEQ/Fire Marshal On
Glenpool Tank Fires

Senator Nancy Riley has been keeping in constant contact with the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Fire Marshal in the hours following a second fuel storage tank fire in Glenpool. Riley’s Senate district includes the community of Glenpool.

“I’ve also been in touch with the Glenpool, Jenks and Tulsa Fire Departments so that we have up to date information about the situation. Experts from ConocoPhillips are providing technical advice to those firefighters. I want to assure residents in Glenpool that we are working with all of these entities to address health and safety concerns,” said Senator Riley.

A 75,000-barrel ConocoPhillips tank containing about 8,000 barrels of diesel fuel ignited yesterday. Early this morning, that fire caused power lines to snap, igniting a second tank.

Several dozen residents have been evacuated as a result of the black smoke from the fires and area schools were closed. U.S. 75 was temporarily closed as well.

“I’m being told the smoke is not toxic but it could cause problems for individuals who already have respiratory ailments. I think everyone just wanted to err on the side of safety,” said Riley, R-Sand Springs.

Senator Riley said her office would continue to monitor the situation and keep in touch with DEQ, ConocoPhillips, the State Fire Marshal and local fire departments in the coming days.

“Again, we just want to make sure that if needed, we’re in a position to help coordinate information and resources so that we can get things back to normal as soon as possible,” said Riley.


For more information, contact:
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5774