Springs burn like oil in Azerbaijan

Yanar Bulag spring water near Astara city in southern Azerbaijan can easily catch fire due to high methane content.

Yanar Bulag is located in the small village of Archivan near the Iranian border. The flowing water from a vertical metal pipe inside the small hall looked perfectly normal in color and taste. But when you bring the lighter or light source closer, the water flow will burn for 5-10 seconds. Spring water is likely to catch fire by absorbing methane from underground gas fields.

Although it contains methane, the stream is still considered one of the best water sources.

Local people said that in the 1970s, geologists discovered some rivers running underground in the village. They drilled 80m deep wells and streams rose from the ground. Flammability characteristics of streams are discovered by accident when people see water burning under the sun.

Although it contains methane, the stream is still considered one of the best water sources. For many years, people all over the region took water from Yanar Bulag stream. Lab test results confirm minerals in spring water to help improve digestion. The villagers of Archivan often used spring water to make tea.

Bulag Yanar is one of many locations in Azerbaijan that originated from this country's abundant gas and oil resources. Along with the year-round Yanar Dag and the natural fire at Ateshgah temple, the spring contributes to the birth of the fire church in the region.

Spring water caught fire when bringing lighters close.(Video: YouTube).