Natural Gas Flares Sparked 2 Wildfires in North Dakota, State Agency Says

North Dakota National Guard soldiers and airmen work with the Department of Emergency Services to build a handline and conduct a controlled burn to prevent the further spread of a wildfire in Mandaree, N.D., on Oct. 6, 2024. Staff Sgt. Samuel J. Kroll/U.S. Army National Guard via AP

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

Investigators concluded that flares combined with high winds and extremely dry weather and started a wildfire near the town of Keena and another near New Town, the Bismarck Tribune reported Thursday. Officials with ConocoPhillips and Hess Corp., which operate the oil wells, say they’re still reviewing the reports.