| Abstract |
The Bureau of Mines has conducted a study of mine fires in the Anthracite Region of Pennsylvania to determine the most effective approaches to fire control in this area. The problems involved in controlling an anthracite fire include the geological and mining conditions in this area, the propagation characteristics of anthracite, the fire control methods available, the hazards associated with these fires, and the marginal effectiveness of past fire control projects. From this general background, fire control options were discussed as they apply in 1980 to the Centralia mine fire. Probable effectiveness, feasibility, and costs were assessed. The options evaluated include four excavation plans, flooding, hydraulic flushing, water curtain isolation, mining to construct an underground barrier, burnout control, and relocation of the community. |
