Red Adair Dies at 89

Paul N. "Red" Adair, the world-renowned oil well firefighter from Texas, who revolutionized the science of capping exploding and burning wells, has died of natural causes. He was 89.

Adair nicknamed "Hellfighter," was portrayed by John Wayne (The Duke) in the 1968 movie based on Adair's life: "The Hellfighters."

As a reporter in Texas, I remember many an oil well fire where Red and his team were called in.

I recall an old joke we had: A Texan goes to hell, and the devil shows him the burning inferno. The Texan says, "Heck, buddy, this ain't nuthin'. I can get Red Adair down here to put this out fer ya in a couple of minutes!"

Posted: Sunday 8th August 2004, 10:24 AM

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