NEW ORLEANS - The owner of a natural gas drilling rig flaming off Louisiana's coast says preparations are under way for the possible drilling of a relief well to divert gas from the site and bring the well under control.

Experts say the effort is complicated and could take weeks to complete.

Federal inspectors say a light sheen was spotted around the rig in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, though authorities said it quickly dissipated and the fire aboard the rig continued to burn.

Gas wells often also have oil or other hydrocarbons as well as natural gas.

Officials and scientists agree the latest mishap won't be anywhere near as damaging as the 2010 BP oil spill.