Our History

History of Red Ranch

Nestled in the heart of Bellville, Texas, Red Ranch holds a unique place in history as the former home of one of the world’s most renowned oil well firefighters, Red Adair. Known for his courage and innovation in controlling some of the most dangerous oil well fires globally, Adair lived a life that not only transformed an industry but also became the stuff of legend. Today, the ranch is owned by Mark Ward, who continues to preserve its legacy while using the property for charity events that benefit local communities.

Red Adair:
A Legendary Firefighter

Red Adair, born Paul Neal Adair on June 18, 1915, in Houston, Texas, was a renowned American oil well firefighter known for his expertise in controlling and extinguishing oil well blowouts, particularly those involving large, dangerous fires. He became a legendary figure for his fearless and innovative techniques, which saved lives and prevented massive environmental damage.

Adair started his career in the oil industry after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he specialized in bomb disposal. This experience with explosives would later prove invaluable in his work. In 1946, he joined the M.M. Kinley Company, a pioneering blowout control company. Under the guidance of Myron Kinley, considered one of the early experts in oil well firefighting, Adair honed his skills.

In 1959, Red Adair founded his own company, the Red Adair Co., Inc., and quickly gained a reputation for tackling some of the most dangerous oil well fires and blowouts in the world. He became famous for using specialized techniques and equipment, including explosives, to starve fires of oxygen, a method that proved highly effective.

One of Adair’s most notable feats came in 1962 when he and his team successfully capped a massive gas well blowout in the Sahara Desert, known as the “Devil’s Cigarette Lighter.” The fire, which was 450 feet high and burned millions of cubic feet of gas a day, was controlled by Adair after six months of continuous efforts.

Perhaps his most famous operation was in 1991, during the Gulf War, when he led efforts to extinguish the oil well fires set by retreating Iraqi forces in Kuwait. Red Adair and his team were instrumental in controlling hundreds of these catastrophic fires, earning him international fame.

Adair retired in 1994, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the oil firefighting industry. He passed away on August 7, 2004, at the age of 89.