Two wildfires destroy 14 square miles of land in North Dakota

BISMARCK, North Dakota: The North Dakota Fire Marshal's Office reported that two wildfires earlier this fall were sparked by natural gas flares at oil wells.

No one was killed or injured in the two fires, which began October 5, but they destroyed a combined 14 square miles and damaged land and livestock.

The Bismarck Tribune reported this week that investigators concluded that flares combined with high winds and extremely dry weather started a wildfire near the town of Keene and another near New Town. Officials with ConocoPhillips and Hess Corp., which operate the oil wells, say they are still reviewing the reports.

The fires, which burned up to 118,000 square miles, were part of a series in northwestern North Dakota during October. Two people died, and six others were injured in unrelated wildfires across the state. Investigations into the causes of the other fires are ongoing.

Flaring, the process of burning off excess natural gas that accompanies oil extraction is a common practice in the oil and gas industry. Companies are required to flare natural gas that cannot be captured or transported. Venting natural gas, which releases it directly into the atmosphere, is illegal and results in higher levels of pollution compared to flaring.

ConocoPhillips spokeswoman Lexey Long stated that the company is still reviewing the fire investigation report. In a statement, Long emphasized the company's commitment to cooperating with the state fire marshal's office and working closely with landowners and tenants.

Hess spokeswoman Alison Ritter also confirmed that her company is reviewing the report but declined to provide additional comments.

The state fire marshal's office does not have the authority to issue penalties or prosecute, so it is unclear whether either company will face consequences.