Firestone House Explosion Leads Anadarko To Halt Drilling Operations

The fatal home explosion in Firestone that claimed two lives has led Colorado's largest oil producer - Anadarko Petroleum Corporation - to halt drilling operations. The home was within 200 feet of one of the company's 3,000 vertical wells in the state.

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The company said while it's not known if the well was a contributing factor to the tragedy, Anadarko says that it is operating out of "an abundance of caution."

Anadarko says that the wells - which produce approximately 13,000 barrels a day - will not be restarted until each has undergone and passed additional inspections.

"Our teams will remain actively engaged with residents in the Firestone community," said Brad Holly, Anadarko Sr. Vice President, U.S. Onshore Exploration and Production. "Colorado residents must feel safe in their own homes, and I want to be clear that we are committed to understanding all that we can about this tragedy as we work with each investigating agency until causes can be determined."

The explosion on April 17 killed Mark Martinez and his brother-in-law as they were working on the hot water heater in the basement of the home.

The investigation continues.

Photo Anadarko Petroleum.