Underground mine fires
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Photo Library Underground mine fires |
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Fires in abandoned coal mines are some of the most serious coal mining-related problems in the country and it is currently estimated to require more than $650 million to eliminate these abandoned mine land dangers. In the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, coal seam fires are common. This fire, located under a town, periodically burns to the surface, emitting smoke and noxious fumes. Here, smoke and fumes had killed all vegetation and the fire was igniting the dead trees lying on the ground. Enlarged Photo (57 KB file)
When this mine fire began to burn at the surface it created an immediate danger to local residents and an emergency reclamation project was begun by the Office of Surface Mining. The emergency reclamation project removed the burning coal that was igniting the trees. If left in place, the burning coal could have started a forest fire and further endangered nearby residents. Enlarged Photo (35 KB file)
Mine fires present a danger to the public because fires may spread to homes and wooded ares, fumes rise through ground fissures and into buildings, carbon monoxide and smoke can asphyxiate residents or cause long-term respiration problems, and land subsidence may result from the void that remains after an underground fire has burned the coal. Here, sulfur in the burning coal can be seen precipitating (yellow rings) at the surface openings. Enlarged Photo (44 KB file)