Post by Poor Richard on Mar 24, 2022 10:07:01 GMT -7
Burning below the surface: Responders mapping coal seam fires in southeast Montana
KBZK reports:
"Burning just below the surface in parts of southeastern Montana is something that has caused millions of dollars in damage—destroying land, homes, livestock and livelihoods.
Coal seams are a natural part of the geology in this part of the state but can cause big problems when they catch fire.
An effort recently got underway in one area that has seen more than its share of these fires.
“I see the devastation that it causes everyone every summer, you know, across eastern Montana,” says Cory Cheguis, a volunteer firefighter and deputy emergency services coordinator for Custer County.
The fires can burn for years underground before causing a wildfire to spark.
“On a hot, dry summer day it takes nothing for the fuels to ignite from the burning coal seams,” he says."
Read the full story here.
Coal seams are a natural part of the geology in this part of the state but can cause big problems when they catch fire.
An effort recently got underway in one area that has seen more than its share of these fires.
“I see the devastation that it causes everyone every summer, you know, across eastern Montana,” says Cory Cheguis, a volunteer firefighter and deputy emergency services coordinator for Custer County.
The fires can burn for years underground before causing a wildfire to spark.
“On a hot, dry summer day it takes nothing for the fuels to ignite from the burning coal seams,” he says."
Read the full story here.