Use of in-situ burning as part of the oil spill response toolbox

In-situ burning of spilled oil has some distinct advantages as a response option. Throughout the United States over the last decade, research, field tests, and development of guidelines have advanced the understanding and use of in-situ burning. The lessons learned from past spill incidents about the effectiveness of in-situ burning can facilitate its consideration at future spills. To that end, the author describes four case studies of in-situ burning, each representing a different scenario: on the open sea, in a river, in a wetland, and inside a stranded vessel. Although the circumstances of these burns differ, it is evident that in-situ burning can effectively remove spilled oil from the environment. In-situ burning is not suitable for all spill situations, and there are issues that need to be resolved.