ANCHORAGE, AK -- July 24, 1997 -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company reported today a small explosion and fire occurred in a lifeline generator at Pump Station 1 at approximately 6:20 a.m. today. No injuries occurred. The fire was extinguished with hand-held fire extinguishers. The exact cause of the explosion is not known and is under investigation. The lifeline generator provides backup electricity and power to the pump station.

Pipeline throughput was slowed to approximately 770,000 barrels per day until a back-up generator could be brought on-line. The pipeline was slowed for approximately 35 minutes. There was no impact to North Slope Producers.

The Joint Pipeline Office has been notified of the incident.