Blaze Complicates Oil Leak Plug Efforts

A 10-week old leaking oil rig off the northwestern coast of Australia has caught fire complicating plugging efforts and steaming government officials.

"Do I think this is acceptable? No, I don't," Prime Minister Kevin RuddKevin RuddKevin Rudd told Fairfax Radio Network on Monday. "Are we angry with this company? Yes we are. Are were trying to do everything we can to get this under control? You betcha."

Thousands of galloons of crude oil have seeped into the Pacific Ocean during the sage, which began on August 21st.

Reports of dead fish, clumps of oil and soiled beaches have been reported as far away as Indonesia.

The fire started when plugging efforts of pumping heavy mud began. Although the Rig operator PTTEP Australasia says it does not know how the fire was caused, its main priority is to stop the leak.

"Presently there are many unanswered questions, including what caused the fire," PTTEP Australasia chief financial officer Jose Martins told reporters in Perth. "Our sole focus now is the safety of all personnel, bringing the fire under control and completing the well kill."

Australia’s Federal Resources Minister Martin FergusonMartin FergusonMartin Ferguson said Monday that the priority is to contain the spill then a thorough investigation will commence.