"Firecane" - a mere figment of imagination

"Firecane" myth built around the Gulf coast oil spill is actually a myth lacking any scientific credence, National Geographic reported.

Even as the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina Gulf Coast approaches, there are rumors of an apocalyptic phenomenon whereby a proceeding hurricane sucks up spewed oil from the BP oil disaster and lighting ignites the oil causing a Firecane.

However, Jeff Masters, director of meteorology for the Weather Underground website, says such an occurrence is untenable. As in oil spill, it's the vapor from volatile compounds that burn and not the liquid itself and most of these are volatile compounds which evaporate and disperse once the oil mixes with water.

In fact, BP attempted to burn spilled oil on the sea surface and found it tough to do so as there is too much water mixed with oil to maintain a sustained fire. "They actually use napalm to start the burns, or they can't get enough heat," said Barry Dellinger, environmental chemist of Louisiana State University.

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Another myth doing rounds is of black rain whereby the oil spill will become part of rain clouds resulting in oily rain with potential to catch fire.

Scientists say it is impossible as rain clouds are formed through evaporation which in itself filters impurities from water including oil.

Also because oil is too thick to evaporate, its chances of becoming a cloud are remote.

The apocalyptic fears can rest as there won't be sights of ignited marshlands coupled with rolling waves of fire churned by a burning sea.