Natural gas flares sparked 2 wildfires in North Dakota, state agency says

BISMARCK, N.D. — Natural gas flares at oil wells caused two Wildfires in North Dakota earlier this fall, according to reports from the North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office.

Researchers concluded that flares combined with high winds and extremely dry weather caused a wildfire near the town of Keena and another near New Town, the Bismarck Tribune reported Thursday. Officials from ConocoPhillips and Hess Corp., which exploit the oil wells, said they were still reviewing the reports.

No one was killed or injured in the two fires, which both started on October 5, but a total of 36.3 square kilometers were burned, damaging land and livestock.

The fires were one of several in northwestern North Dakota in October that burned up to 170 square miles (477.6 square kilometers). Two people died and six were injured in other wildfires in North Dakota. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the other fires.

Flaring is the burning of excess natural gas that is released together with oil. Oil and gas companies are required to flare natural gas from oil wells that cannot be contained or moved. Blowing off natural gas is illegal and causes more pollution then flaring it.

ConocoPhillips spokeswoman Lexey Long said the company is still reviewing the fire investigation report. The company aims to provide information to the state fire marshal’s office and works directly with landowners and tenants, Long said in a statement.

“Our focus remains on the safety of our employees, the community and protecting the environment,” Long said.

Hess spokeswoman Alison Ritter said the company is “in the process of reviewing the report” and declined further comment.

The fire marshal’s office does not issue sanctions or have the authority to prosecute. It is unclear whether either company will face consequences.