For this reason, in-situ burning is conducted only when the winds are blowing away from or at sufficient distance from population centers. In-situ burning is always conducted under controlled conditions. First, two ships deploy a specially constructed fire boom between them, one end attached to each ship. The boom can be anywhere between 300-500 feet long. The boom takes on a U configuration as it is towed by the two ships at about three-fourths of a knot.
Oil is gathered inside the U, moved to a location away from the main spill and is set on fire.
By controlling the rate of speed of the ships, the rate of the burn can be increased, decreased, or even extinguished. The residues left in the boom after the burn is over will be recovered by conventional means. Ignition of the oil can be accomplished in a number of different ways. One way is with a Heli-torch. A Heli-torch is a device that is attached to a helicopter and aerial releases burning gelled fuel on the oil.