Fire at an oil facility

When oil is pumped from most oilfields, some very salty water comes up with it. Often, if the combo is first pumped into tall narrow tanks like the one at the r...
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When oil is pumped from most oilfields, some very salty water comes up with it. Often, if the combo is first pumped into tall narrow tanks like the one at the right, these separate by gravity (like vinegar and oil in a salad dressing). But in some cases, the pumping actions temporarily "emulsifies" the two, and gravity only is too slow; so heat is applied. The tank on fire is called a "heater-treater," used to break these emulsions. If any of the plumbing leaks, the oil catches on fire.
Here, the local oilfield fire department has responded.
Permian Basin oilfield, southeast New Mexico, USA, near Carlsbad.
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