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WASHINGTON -- As Mariner Energy Inc. prepares to investigate the causes of its Gulf of Mexico platform fire, government statistics show that more than 100 fires and explosions have taken place in the gulf each year since at least 2006.

Last year, for example, there were 133 fires and explosions that occurred on Gulf of Mexico structures, according to data compiled by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement. And in 2008, there were 139 such incidents.