[1][2] Unlike mud volcanoes, the Yanar Dagh flame burns fairly steadily, as it is fed by a constant seep of gas from the subsurface.

[4][5] Since the first millennium BCE, the fire served as a link between humans and supernatural powers in the Zoroastrian religion.

[12][13] The reason offered for the Yanar Dagh fires is the result of hydrocarbon gases emanating from below the Earth's surface.

[9] According to a study carried out by the scientists and geologists of the Geological Survey of Azerbaijan, analyses of four samples taken from Yanar Dagh revealed that the area of maximum flux was situated at the upper side of the fault scarp - the very area from which the flames emanate.

The value of microseepage recorded was in the range of 103 mg m−2 d−1 at approximately 30 metres (~100 ft) from the fire, on the upper part of the study area.

[8] In order to protect this landmark and support tourism in the area, the Yanardagh State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve was established by presidential decree dated 2 May 2007.

It operates under control of the State Tourism Agency and is located in the village of Mammadli (Absheron District).