Operations resume at Trans-Alaska pipeline in US after fire

Operations have resumed at the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company-operated Trans-Alaska Pipeline following a fire at its remote pump station near the Arctic Circle.

Trans-Alaska resumed operations at a reduced rate of around 400,000 barrels per day.

The fire did not cause any environmental damage and no fatalities were reported.

The 800-mile pipeline can transport around 545,000 barrels of oil a day, and runs from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Alaska.

Flames were spotted from a pressure and vacuum vent at Trans-Alaska’s pump station in the Coldfoot area.

All 58 employees working on the site at that time were evacuated.

Alyeska Pipeline is currently carrying out an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and is trying to bring the pipeline back to full operation.

NBC News quoted Alyeska Pipeline spokesperson Michelle Egan saying that the flames were spotted at one of seven vents at the tank.

The Trans-Alaska pipeline system includes the trans-Alaska crude-oil pipeline, 12 pump stations, feeder pipelines, and the Valdez Marine Terminal.