FAIRFIELD TWP, Ohio - The Leetonia Police Department wants people to know that a large flame that visible in the area is not from a structure fire, but from a fracking well.

Police say the flame is from a well located in the vicinity of Route 164 and Route 558.

The flame, which can be seen from Route 11 is being used to burn off gas at the well.

Energy companies use a method known as flaring, which according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is the controlled burning of natural gas and a common practice in oil and gas exploration, production and processing operations.

There are several reasons why it may be necessary to flare gas according to the ODNR.

A temporary flare is used during well production testing, and can also be used for safety measures when equipment or piping becomes over-pressured.

Temporary flares are used as an outlet for gas during maintenance and equipment repairs. 

Flare gas systems are also used to manage waste gas that cannot be efficiently captured and returned to the system for processing.