How does an in-situ burn work?

Answer 1

An in-situ burn is a technique used to manage and eliminate oil spills by igniting the oil on the water's surface, allowing it to combust and reduce its volume. The process involves creating a controlled fire that safely burns the oil, while minimizing the release of harmful pollutants into the environment. Prior to ignition, responders assess conditions such as wind and water currents to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is typically used when there are no viable alternatives for oil recovery and when environmental conditions are suitable for burning.