Gasoline pipeline continues burning as Democrats seek probe
HELENA, Ala. — A fire sparked by a huge explosion on a major gasoline pipeline continued burning Wednesday two days after the fatal blast as congressional Democrats sought an investigation of the Georgia-based operator.
Colonial Pipeline Co. said the fire in a rural area southwest of Birmingham, Alabama, was “significantly smaller” since Monday, and an environmentalist said the blaze had shrunk considerably from when it was shooting flames hundreds of feet in the air like a geyser of fire.
“It was about the size of a person last night when I saw it,” said David Butler of Cahaba Riverkeeper, who has worked closely with the company to help prevent environmental damage.
The company — which is letting the fire burn itself out — has said it hoped to restart the line as early as this weekend. But it can’t fully assess the damage and begin repairs until the blaze is out, and it’s unclear when that might happen.