Gas-well fire still burning in Dunkard Township

DUNKARD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A gas-well fire has been burning in Dunkard Township for more than 80 hours, as of Friday evening.

Channel 11's Cara Sapida drove to the highest point she could find to check out the fire Friday.

Crews have been working 24 hours a day, Sapida reported.

The fire, which was expected to be out by now, won't be extinguished until Sunday or Monday, officials said.

DEP Director John Ryder explained the difficult job.

"It's a very labor intensive process to take vehicles off location because their tires have burned and have to be taken away with a bulldozer.  That takes a lot of time and planning," he said.

Ryder added that no one who lives in the area is at risk.

"They've established a safe perimeter.  There's no reason for concern.  Highly trained and skilled professionals take control of the well.  They're working very hard," he said.

WPXI