Introduction of firefighting methods in U.S. underground mines

Introduction of firefighting methods in U.S.underground mines

Underground mine fire always exists since the mining activity was practiced.It poses a severe safety hazard to the mine workers and may also cause a tremendous economic loss to the mines.Methods for controlling and extinguishing fires in underground mine have long been studied and there have been significant improvements.In order to know clearly about the firefighting technology used,this paper summarizes most of the underground mine firefighting methods used in the United States the past 150 years.This paper describes not only the accepted firefighting theories,but also the technologies,both direct and indirect attacking,in accordance to regulations or codes,with special attention is given to the indirect attack method and its related technologies.Further research needed is also briefly discussed at the end of this paper.