compositions and methods for emulsifying a petroleum product that has been spilled upon a portion of the earth &# 39 ; s surface or that is burning are based upon use of a nonionic , primary surfactant composition comprising a first ethoxylated sorbitol oleate and , preferably , a second ethoxylated sorbitol oleate , and a nonionic , secondary surfactant that is capable of stabilizing and solubilizing the primary surfactant composition such that the resulting emulsifying compositions have a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance between about 12 . 0 and about 13 . 5 .