Fire reported on natural gas platform off Santa Barbara coast
By Katherine Worsham , Gianella Ghiglino
Click here for updates on this story
SANTA BARBARA, California (KSBY) — A fire was reported Monday morning on the natural gas platform “Habitat” off the coast of Santa Barbara.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the fire was reported just before 7:15 a.m.
There were 26 people on board the platform at the time. Coast Guard officials say everyone made it back to shore safely with just two minor injuries reported.
The Coast Guard established a 1,000-yard safety zone around the platform while crews worked to extinguish the fire. Officials say the fire was contained by 11:40 a.m.
Platform Habitat is operated in federal waters by DCOR, LLC.
According to the City of Carpinteria, it was installed in 1981, about eight miles from shore.
It produced natural gas but is now in the process of being decommissioned.
Environmentalists say the incident is a reminder of the potential dangers of offshore oil drilling.
“The entire process of drilling in our oceans risks horrible accidents that can injure or kill workers, spill oil that washes up on coastlines, and harm fish and wildlife,” said Joseph Gordon, campaign director for the organization Oceana. “Despite these threats, the Trump administration is considering a massive expansion of offshore drilling in California’s ocean, including using old, deteriorating infrastructure like the rig that caught fire today, putting more communities and coasts at risk. We must stop the cycle of destruction and protect both our oceans and those who work and live by them.”
KSBY News reached out to DCOR for comment but has not received a response.
Officials say there are no indications that any oil leaked from the platform into the water, and there are no impacts to wildlife or the public at this time.
Fire departments and harbor patrol from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties assisted during Monday’s fire.
“The entire process of drilling in our oceans risks horrible accidents that can injure or kill workers, spill oil that washes up on coastlines, and harm fish and wildlife,” said Joseph Gordon, campaign director for the organization Oceana. “Despite these threats, the Trump administration is considering a massive expansion of offshore drilling in California’s ocean, including using old, deteriorating infrastructure like the rig that caught fire today, putting more communities and coasts at risk. We must stop the cycle of destruction and protect both our oceans and those who work and live by them.”
KSBY News reached out to DCOR for comment but has not received a response.
Officials say there are no indications that any oil leaked from the platform into the water, and there are no impacts to wildlife or the public at this time.
Fire departments and harbor patrol from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties assisted during Monday’s fire.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.