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ALEXANDER, N.D. | A lightning strike Monday sparked a fire and explosion that destroyed the third North Dakota saltwater disposal facility in recent weeks, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and leaving the smell of oil in the air.

The latest incident was at a saltwater disposal well owned by Dallas-based 1804 Operating and located several miles south of the town of Alexander. No injuries were reported.

In a statement, the state's Department of Health said the incident led to the release of 2,813 barrels of saltwater and 649 barrels of oil. A barrel is 42 gallons.

The Department of Health said some fluids flowed off site but were contained before they were able to reach a tributary leading to a nearby creek.

On Monday night, the slightly stinging smell of oil and the smoke from the fire drew curious onlookers from a truck stop next door. Cleanup crews were busy moving contaminated dirt and laying down booms around a small reservoir as firefighters tried to quell the blaze.

The explosion blew the lid of one of the tanks into a nearby field.

McKenzie County emergency coordinator Karolin Rockvoy said she first learned of the fire at 5 p.m. on Monday and that firefighters were letting the blaze burn itself out.