The Meridian Resource Corp. said flames still are shooting 150feet in the air from its Thibodaux No. 2 well near Amelia, LA, sixdays after the well was struck by lightening. The well wasscheduled to begin production in July with about 18 MMcf/d of gasand 1,800 b/d of condensate.

The company is attempting to dredge around the perimeter of thewell to allow access for firefighting barges to get closer so morewater can be sprayed on the fire. An additional 3-4 days ofdredging is expected, the company said yesterday. Once the dredgingand wellhead inspection are complete, well control specialists candetermine the best and safest method to extinguish the fire and capthe well. Meridian also is dredging a site for a relief well 2,500feet away from the burning well. The relief well could take 45 daysto drill to a depth of 18,000 feet but should diminish orextinguish the fire, Meridian said.

No injuries have occurred, but as a safety precaution, St. MaryParish Emergency Preparedness officials evacuated 33 residents fromnearby Avoca Island last Friday. Those eleven families continue toreceive free hotel rooms, meals, laundry service and other livingexpenses, Meridian said.

A company spokesman said Meridian is not expecting a loss fromthe incident because it is fully insured.

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