Mine Fire Still Burning In E. Ky.

As of this morning, the Associated Press reports that a major fire was still burning at Alliance Resources' Partners Excel No. 3 Mine, near Pikeville, Ky. The mine has been sealed, and about 250 miners are idled until the fire can be extinguished.

No one was hurt in the blaze, discovered on Christmas Day. Federal and state agencies responded to the scene and are monitoring the situation.

Mine fires can sometimes take months to extinguish. However, a fire earlier this year at another Alliance Resources' Partners mine earlier this year, the Dotiki Mine near Nebo, Ky., was extinguished in quick order, earning the personal commendation of federal safety officials.

The two mines are run by different Alliance subsidiaries.

References:

http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2004/12/29ky/B4-mine12290-4343.html

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20041227005047&newsLang=en

http://www.msha.gov/MEDIA/PRESS/2004/NR040325.HTM