Associated Press Published

W.Va. Underground Mine Fire Being Monitored

Department of Environmental Protection, DEP

West Virginia environmental officials say they’re monitoring an underground coal mine fire in Preston County.

According to WBOY-TV, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection says the fire near Thornton has not risen to the level of an emergency. That’s when federal officials say the fire should be snuffed.

The DEP said the fire has been burning for about three years. Drilling is planned in January to assess the extent of the fire.