"The oil & gas on the surface of the water "could" catch fire but the water itself would act to put the fire out by sucking heat away from the fire. This is why firefighters use a thin spray to fight house fires. The spray acts to remove the necessary heat from the fire."
Thanks to the FReeper who took the time to write me.
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Ask Dennis Kucinch. The Cuyahoga burned for a long time. Someone from Cleveland needs to chime in with some help. I can't remember how it happened...but I think it made Kucinich a household name. He was a real young mayor at the time, I think it happened during his time.