There is a natural financial incentive by exploration companies to conduct research on newly developed wells being brought online by competitors. It is not uncommon for companies to loose the their advantage going into a land sale by competitors scouting or spying on the results of a drill and test operation.

The use of ground burners allows wells to be tested and completed with the flame hidden from view. This allows companies a chance to complete their work without bill boarding well performance to passing interested parties such as scouts deployed by other competitors.