The oil field in question is part of the Rincon Trend. A long established field. Many wells in it are capped - California crude is thick and sticky - demand is low.
It doesn't burn well, either.
True but there is a big gas plant there. And it still has many active pumping units. With the current price of oil it is worth it. The lease is owned by Aera Energy.
The fire started off the lease at 3:30 am. My husband works there but was not on duty when the fire started.