The researchers examined active and inactive oil wells because some inactive wells continue to leak methane and other harmful or combustible emissions, González said. Four years later, a 90-year-old well erupted beneath a construction site in Marina del Rey and spewed oil, gas and other debris into the air for several days. The researchers also found that exposure to oil wells in the path of wildfires was unevenly distributed. There are solutions, however — or at least recommendations to help mitigate the risks of oil wells in populated, wildfire-prone regions. González said he hopes the study will prompt more action to not only reduce wildfires, but also to better protect people living in or near the oil wells in their paths.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 24, 2024 14:14 UTC