If you have passed the Hennessey Tag Agency and CNG station lately, you have probably noticed huge trucks and drilling equipment. This is because a remediation project at Iowa and Main was recently re-opened for an old case involving the old Farmers Oil Supply fire. The environmental study will take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
Many of you might remember March 27, 1977, because at 8:40 a.m., things took a wild turn in Hennessey, Oklahoma. Jerry Rothmire and Rick Bohnstedt were working on one of the gasoline pumps behind the Farmers Oil Supply when a spark ignited a serious fire. Rothmire, who managed the station, recalled, “We ran in and called the fire department and tried to put it out with our small extinguishers, but they didn’t work.”
The fire broke out in the middle tank of several that held gasoline and diesel. It spread quickly, prompting fire trucks from Hennessey and nearby towns like Kingfisher and Dover to rush to the scene. A foam truck from Vance Air Force Base showed up and controlled the fire for a bit, but it ran out of foam.
At about 9:15 a.m., a massive explosion rocked the area, sending flames across Main Street and causing onlookers to scramble for safety. The blast was visible from miles away. A five-block area was evacuated, but thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. Local oil companies and Kingfisher County pitched in with equipment, and dirt dams were built on Highway 81 to stop the gasoline from flowing out. Unfortunately, when the big tanks exploded, they ignited a fire in the back of the station and the nearby car wash. The Farmers Oil Supply had been around since the 1920s, originally built by Perry Stewart. Rothmire’s family had owned it for years, delivering fuel to local farmers. The fire was intense, injuring three firefighters. Hulin “Hap” Kelly slipped on anti-freeze and caught fire; Jim Wilson and Bill McCartney had close calls, too, but managed to put their flames out quickly. By 3:00 p.m., the fire was finally under control but had caused much damage. It consumed 100 barrels of oil, 12,000 gallons of gasoline, and 20,000 gallons of diesel. The estimated damage was around $100,000, with several surrounding businesses left without power and phone service. Despite the chaos, the community rallied together. Everyone did their part, from cleaning up the mess to helping those affected. Sources used: The Hennessey Book and The Hennessey Clipper.
