Flames from Controlled Burn at Libertyville Propane Facility Light Up Sky

Have you noticed flames in the sky in the area of Peterson Road and Route 45 this week?

North Shore Gas, which is located on the southwest corner of Peterson Road and Route 45, began a controlled burn on Tuesday at its propane facility. The planned “residual fuel flare-off” will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday over a two-week period, according to a North Shore Gas press release.

The flames could reach 40 to 50 feet tall and 15 feet wide during the course of the controlled burn and could be seen for several miles from the facility.

The purpose of the controlled burn is to safely extract propane from several tanks that North Shore Gas is retiring. Before removing the tanks, the company needs to make sure any residual fuel is safely emptied. And the safest way to remove that residual propane is through a controlled burn, according to the news release.

The North Shore Gas facility is located on the east side of Metra’s North Central commuter line between the Prairie Crossing and Mundelein stations.

“Residents and commuters can be assured that the release of gas is being done in the safest way possible and should not be alarmed if they see a flame appear,” according to the news release. “The flare-off will not affect natural gas service to customers.”