Flare Stacks – Fire Risk
The AER reminded licensees that the risk of grass and brush fires that start at flare stacks increases in the drier seasons.
The AER recommended that operators follow a regular maintenance schedule for flare stacks and that flares be regularly examined for carbon or soot buildup around the flare tip.
The AER indicated that proactive fire-control measures should also be in place. These include acquiring and maintaining fire suppression equipment and communicating with local fire departments to coordinate response procedures should an emergency situation arise.
Operators and licensees must adhere to AER Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating and Venting and Alberta’s Forest and Prairie Protection Act.
