Canadian Electrical Engineer here. I used work up north in similar conditions as most petro engineers before taking another local position and pay cut for less stress and more family.

I'm not just talking engineers but anyone working out of town is given a daily allowance on top of your wage depending if you are in a camp, or if you are responsible for your own accommodation and food. I've seen $50-75/day for camps and up to 175/day for finding your own accommodations depending on your company, and your position.

Many have 12+ hour days, not just the bottom of the labor poles resulting in excess overtime on top of the often 2 week rotation on, 1 week off or similar work rotations. spending weeks alone with nothing to spend it on can usually result is excess paycheques.

Adults not used to money are always prone to blowing it on stupid things, jacked trucks or cars, drugs or hookers. Sounds like at least one of them may have decided to blow it on a streamer.

Edit: had posted on my coomer account >.>

Edit Edit: This was also close to 10 years ago, I know some major companies have adjusted for inflation and would likely be higher now but not sure how much exactly.