Fire from explosion still burning after 5 days

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HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A tanker fire is still burning five days after it destroyed an eastern Montana oil recycling plant.

Wibaux Fire Chief Brian Nelson said Wednesday he is not sure what is inside the tanker truck to keep it burning since Saturday’s explosion.

Nelson said firefighters poured foam down the tanker’s vents Tuesday but failed to extinguish the blaze.

Nelson said he now plans to just monitor the fire until it goes out. He said the fire marshal can’t investigate the cause until the blaze is out.

The explosion injured three workers as the contents of the tanker were being pumped into the Custom Carbon Processing salt water disposal and oil reclamation facility.

"We expect to be at the site early next week," said Art Hazen of the Billings OSHA office. "There is no concern for public safety at this time."

The Alberta, Canada-based owner, Green Oasis Environmental Inc., has not made any public statements on the fire or injuries.

Tags: oil, news, fire, montana