WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Defense Department said on Thursday it was seeking bids from companies that could put out fires at Iraqi oil wells that may be torched by Saddam Hussein in retaliation for any U.S.-led attack on Iraq.

The department said it was interested in hearing from companies that could provide "specialized services related to firefighting or assessing damage to oil facilities in the event of military action in Iraq."

It said interested companies can call 866-461-5171 to hear a recorded message for the information that firms must provide to be added to the bidders list.

Last week Halliburton Co. subsidiary Kellogg, Brown & Root won a Defense Department contract to oversee any firefighting operations at Iraqi oil fields.

Vice President Dick Cheney served as Halliburton's chief executive officer from 1995 to 2000.

Halliburton already does extensive logistic support work for the U.S. military.