MCKITTRICK, CA - Monday February 15th 2010 at approximately 9:30 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for an oil well blow out at Oxydental Petroleum in Elk Hills, east of Mc Kittrick.  Approximately 15 Kern County Firefighters responded to the incident assisted by Kern County Environmental Health Department.

Upon arrival, fire crews were faced with an oil well head under going maintenance that had an unexpected pressure release. Several workers received minor to serious injuries when exiting from the well.

Initial action from firefighters was to triage and treat the injured and ensure the safety of personnel. The hazardous materials unit from Bakersfield arrived and monitored the atmosphere for any release of hazardous gases.

A total of two injured were transported by air ambulance to a local area hospital, two injured were transported by ground ambulance and a fifth person was treated at the scene, but refused transport.

There were no reported injuries to firefighters.