Abstract: In the context of an oil and gas drilling rig flare system, a purge system is introduced so that in the event of a flammable gas release at the rig, the purge system can be activated. Activation of the system shuts off gas supply from a separator in the mud return system to the flare line and initiates a purge of an inert gas. Any ignition sources in the flare line are immediately turned off. The purging cools the flare line to a point where it cannot act as an ignition source itself. The inert gas prevents the presence of oxygen in the flare line to additionally prevent combustion within the flare line. The flowing inert gas cools the flare line to the point where it cannot ignite any escaping gas from the rig floor. The system can be manually or automatically actuated.