Coast Guard gets ready for controlled burn of oil

[May 06, 2010]  ROBERT, La. (AP) -- The Coast Guard is preparing for a controlled burn of some of the oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico now that weather conditions are more favorable.

Spokesman Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell at an oil command center in Robert, La., said Wednesday that boats will skim oil from the surface of the sea and burn it.

Controlled burns are part of the toolbox of strategies officials are using to rid the Gulf of the spilled oil. Burning the oil removes it from the open water and protects the shoreline and wildlife.

The Coast Guard says in a statement that a previous controlled burn on April 28 removed thousands of gallons of oil.

[Associated Press; By RAY HENRY]

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