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HOUSTON, December 6, 2002 -- Boots & Coots International Well Control, Inc. (AMEX: WEL - News). — announced that the Board of Directors has elected K. Kirk Krist as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Krist is one of the original founders of Boots and Coots and has served in the capacity of Director since the acquisition of Boots & Coots by IWC Services in 1997. Additionally, Mr. Krist has served on both the Audit and Compensation Committee. Mr. Krist will be assuming the role of Chairman from Jed DiPaolo, who accepted the position on an interim basis in June of this year. The board further announced that Jed DiPaolo resigned as a Director. Mr. DiPaolo has served as a Director since May of 1999.

Mr. Krist said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Company, I would like to thank Jed DiPaolo for serving as interim Chairman and as a Director. Mr. DiPaolo has played a key role in the restructuring efforts. We have spent a great deal of energy creating the infrastructure that will enable us to proceed with our business plan. I look forward to the challenges ahead and am honored to assume this leadership position.”

Boots and Coots also announced that they executed a commitment letter with a new investment group. The commitment letter provides for financing and allows the Company to work toward an out-of-court restructuring to the benefit of the Company and its shareholders. The initial phase of the restructuring was closed this week and will supply the Company with short term working capital up to $1 million. The commitment letter contains certain provisions for additional restructuring which are defined by bench marks of accomplishments by the Company and are immediately proceeding.

Mr. Krist stated, “We believe that the timeliness of this debt and equity initiative, as well as the association with experienced international oil and gas investors, will benefit the Company in many ways.”

Jerry Winchester, President and interim CEO added, “The emergency response segment of our business is experiencing an upswing and we believe the financial restructuring commitment will allow us to maintain a high standard of service and responsiveness to our customers and their needs.”

Completion of the finance restructuring is subject to specific performance by the Company and final documentation acceptable to both parties. The Company will announce the specific terms and conditions as they progress.

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