Fire causes brine, oil spill in western North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Oil and Gas Division says a fire at a salt water disposal well has released brine and oil in western North Dakota.

The release happened Monday at the Carl Spackler SWD 1 salt water disposal well about 10 miles south of Alexander.

Operator Dakota Fluid Solutions Inc. reported Tuesday that lightning struck a saltwater tank, causing a fire that released 185,808 gallons of brine and 5,796 gallons of oil. The spill was contained by diking on location.

Inspectors have been to the site and will monitor cleanup.

Brine is a byproduct of oil production.