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Willow Creek Mine Fire - A Chronology of Events


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Week of January 3, 1998

Mine rescue teams re-entered the mine and successfully completed the recovery/re-ventilation phase in the D-Northeast Mains to between No. 27 and 28 Crosscuts. Explosion resistant seals were completed in the D-Seam Bleeder between Nos. 6 and 7 Crosscuts. Substantial stoppings were completed in the D-1 Northwest Tailgate between Nos. 8 and 9 Crosscuts.

The horizontal degasification pipe was extended into the D-Seam Bleeder Entries prior to completion of the explosion resistant seals.

Drilling continued at Borehole 2. Difficulties in drilling continued.

Exploration in the D-Northeast Mains to No. 29 Crosscut, in the D-1 Northwest Headgate to No. 6 Crosscut , and in the D-1 Northwest Tailgate to No. 12 Crosscut was completed at the end of the week. Little evidence of damage from heat was found in areas other than in the return entries.

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