This is shale gas, which is very common in Fuling District. The locals are accustomed to calling it ground fire.

The bubbling stream in Jiaoshi Town, Fuling District, can actually ignite. This is a common phenomenon in the area. The bubbling water indicates the presence of shale gas. This place is extremely rich in gas resources. This shale gas is one of the important gas sources for the Sichuan-East Gas Pipeline. It is also an important component of the gasified Yangtze River Economic Zone and an important resource base of this economic zone. It can appear in streams, and it can also appear in fields with stable air sources, which can be used for cooking or barbecue.

Shale gas is a kind of natural gas that can be burned. It is not much different from the natural gas in the home. Local residents have become accustomed to the existence of this situation. When you see bubbles emerging from the bottom of the stream, you can light the fire at the bubbles and you will see flames burning on the water. Local villagers said that this situation has existed for many years, and there are such natural underground fires in many places in the village. He feels that this situation is extremely rare for outsiders and he often visits the area.

The bubbling place in the stream will burn with a little fire, and it will automatically extinguish after a while. Although there are ground fires that can be ignited in many places in this township in Fuling District, they cannot be ignited at will, let alone close to mountains. Otherwise, it is easy to cause fires and cause large areas of mountain forests to burn. The existence of this situation is directly related to the abundant local gas resources. After the video was posted online, local staff also responded specifically saying that what was ignited was shale gas.

It is a good thing that there is a large amount of shale gas in the local underground. It can meet human needs for resources and can transport this natural gas to where it is needed. There is also a huge potential for natural gas that can be ignited anywhere. There is a safety hazard. If someone accidentally ignites this shale gas, it will cause surrounding trees to burn and cause fires, which will cause serious economic losses. Therefore, in the local area, village cadres often patrol to prevent fires and find that someone ignites shale gas at will. It will also be stopped in time.