antlerradar
Well-known member
Was out hiking the other day and found a burning coal seam. I have found plenty of burning coal seams, but this is the first were I could look down into the cracks and see the rocks glowing red hot.
Some very hot rocks.
- Thread starter antlerradar
- Start date
Nameless Range
Well-known member
So cool. I am always fascinated with how many wildfires these things start
T
timmy
Guest
Hope you peed on that could be a long fire season.
antlerradar
Well-known member
I was being very carful were I put my feet, dang sure would not want to has ground give way and fall in to one of those crack. Having your pants down would be double bad.
Besides, I am over 50, No way I was risking getting that close. Just don't have the kind pressure needed for long distance fire control.
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antlerradar
Well-known member
Last year on the Custer I think there was more fires started by burning coal seam than lightning.
easternmt
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2015
- Messages
- 118
Well at least you’ll know where to keep an eye out this fire season!
BAKPAKR
Well-known member
I was boar hunting in southern West Virginia late one fall and found several places with smoke coming out of the ground from burning coal seams. None appeared as close to the surface as those found by OP, but it was still kind of spooky.
@ZBB, I have grown to really like the crab song...
@ZBB, I have grown to really like the crab song...
Southern Elk
Well-known member
How does a fire like that get started?
rtraverdavis
Well-known member
Bambistew
Well-known member
Spontaneous combustion. As the coal dries out and is exposed to oxygen the pyrite found in it oxidizes and generates heat catching on fire. Some coal has more pyrite than others. Western coal has much less than eastern coal (not as old) Rocks with high sulfide content can also catch fire.
Most all coal mines have some fire issues. One underground mine in PA had been burning under an abandoned town for like 50 years with no end in site.
antlerradar
Well-known member
This one was started by a lighting strike wild fire in 2017. Any exposed coal seam is at risk of catching fire. Most burn out fairly quickly, but I know of one that has burning as long as I can remember and who knows how long before my time. There are cracks caused by slumping a good 100 yards from the vent.
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Carl 9.3x62
Well-known member
Thats pretty cool
Bambistew
Well-known member
True, some do catch fire from wildfire, or lightning as well. The self-ignition usually needs 'fresh' exposure as well.
antlerradar
Well-known member
Didn't see any, Might have been too cold for them that day or maybe the Little People that inhabit the area keep them away.
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marksjeep
Well-known member
Little people are some of the shiftiest people in Emont. Watch out for them.
antlerradar
Well-known member
Never seen them myself, But my Cheyenne friends have some stories to tell.
They would know.
