In 1895, Lightning Ignited a West Virginia Gas Well, Creating a 200-Foot Flame
In 1895, lightning struck the Big Moses gas well in West Virginia, igniting a massive fire that reached 200 feet. The blaze lasted about two hours before being extinguished by the gas pressure.
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What Happened?
In 1895, lightning struck the Big Moses gas well in West Virginia, igniting a massive fire that reached 200 feet. The blaze lasted about two hours before being extinguished by the gas pressure.
Why it matters
This event highlights the challenges of early gas extraction technology and the power of natural gas.
Key points
- Lightning ignited the Big Moses gas well on June 14, 1895.
- Flames reached heights of 150 to 200 feet, attracting large crowds.
- The fire lasted about two hours before being extinguished by gas pressure.
- The well was initially struck while drilling for oil in 1894.
- It produced an extraordinary flow of natural gas, estimated at up to 100 million cubic feet per day.
Key insights
- The incident illustrates the limitations of 19th-century drilling technology in controlling high-pressure gas.
- The extraordinary pressure of the gas led to both a spectacular fire and the eventual extinguishing of the flames.
- This event marked a significant moment in West Virginia's oil and gas history, showcasing the region's natural resources.
AI Quick Summary
In 1895, lightning ignited the Big Moses gas well in West Virginia, creating a towering flame that lasted two hours.
Source
Times of India



