Fire on staging boat for Gulf oil spill in Venice, La.; 2 treated for smoke inhalation

VENICE, La. – Authorities say a fire that started in the electrical system on a boat set up at a staging area for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill resulted in two minor injuries.

Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. John Marie says the fire was extinguished immediately Tuesday night. The jackup boat is anchored in the Venice, La., area. Jackup boats or barges are similar to oil and gas platforms but are used as a base for servicing other structures.

Two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and no other injuries were reported. No evacuations were required.

Marie says the boat will be back in operation on Wednesday.