North Dakota Fire Marshal says ‘Flaring’ was the cause of October Wildfires

Fire Marhsal Doug Nelson blamed both the Dinwoodie Fire near New Town and the Midnight Run Fire near Keene started by heat form oil well flares meeting dry vegetation.

The Midnight Run fire burned about 7000 acres alone. The fires were part of the series of fires that occurred the weekend of October 5. Strong winds and dry conditions made it difficult to put the fires out. Nelson said both fires were accidental but that the oil well near the Midnight Run Fire belonged to ConocoPhillips. The company said in a statement that it is reviewing the fire investigation.

Hess, whose oil well is believed to have started the Dinwoodie Fire, has not made any official statement as of this moment.