Red Adair (1915–2004,) born Paul Neal Adair, was an American oil well firefighter known for extinguishing massive oil and gas fires. His pioneering techniques revolutionized hazardous fire suppression, making him a global icon.
Born in Houston, Texas, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, gaining expertise in handling explosives. After the war, he joined Myron Kinley, a leading oil firefighter, before founding Red Adair Company, Inc. in 1959. His company became synonymous with tackling the world’s most dangerous oil well fires, including the 1962 Devil’s Cigarette Lighter in Algeria and the 1991 Kuwaiti oil fires set by retreating Iraqi forces.
Philip Singerman’s An American Hero: The Red Adair Story (1990) explores his firefighting legacy. His work also inspired the 1968 film Hellfighters, starring John Wayne.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Red Adair
If you think it is expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.
—Red Adair
Leave a Reply