4.9.5. In the beginning of the movie we see these big fireballs. What are they?

The flares are known as “sour gas”.

From: “The Disposal of Sour Gas through Flaring by Oil Companies”
Robert D. Guy, Dept. of Chemistry, Dalhousie University

“Sour gas is any gas in its natural state that contains impurities which form acidic combustion products. Sour gas also contains compounds of sulfur at concentrations exceeding levels for practical use because of their corrosion and toxicity. Sour gas contains over 250 different compounds, some of which are carbon dioxide, methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulphide…”

“Flaring is a means of safely disposing of waste gases through the use of combustion. With an elevated flare the combustion is carried out at the top of a pipe or stack where the burner and igniter are located.”

Posted in: 4.9. Miscellaneous Movie Questions