The Kenilworth mine fire has been a cause of concern for residents of Kenilworth and Helper, with many worried about the potential air quality impacts that the continued outpour of smoke could cause. On Wednesday, Oct. 30 the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mines held a public meeting to walk residents through the planned action to suppress the blaze. Now the UDOGM has an official time frame for the suppression operation, which will start the week of Nov. 25.

In a press release shared by the UDOGM, environmental scientist Jan Morse explains the plan of attack for the mine fire,” The mitigation plan involves sealing surface openings around the affected area with fire-resistant expanding foam. This process will help restrict airflow to the fire, aiming to slow its spread and reduce smoke emissions.”

One issue addressed by the UDOGM in both the meeting and the release is the steep terrain presented by the fire’s location. Because of this, contractors will be flown in via helicopter to the area before engaging the flames. These helicopters will also be tasked with transporting equipment to and from the operation site.

The plume of smoke which is visible across the Carbon Corridor, was first addressed by the Helper City Fire Department on Aug. 13, in a post that read,” Currently there is a mine fire flare up above Kenilworth. This is an existing fire that flares up from time to time. It is currently producing a higher than normal amount of smoke that can be seen for great distances.”

Although the smoke became visible earlier this year, this fire is something that the UDOGM Abandoned Mines Reclamation program has been monitoring since 2021. “ Although it does not threaten public safety, the visible smoke has raised concerns within the community. Like other underground coal seam fires, this fire is challenging to control, and records show that similar fires have been reported in the Kenilworth area as far back as 1906.”

The department continued, speculating that the cause of the fire may be from spontaneous combustion, a common natural risk in coal seams.

The UDOGM is also working with other departments to monitor air quality in the area; something which has been a major concern for residents of Kenilworth.

For citizens who may have concerns, questions or comments about the fire, you are encouraged to contact Morse at 385-799-0028 or janmorse@utah.gov. 

*This is an ongoing story, updates will come as they become available.