---

Introduction

📝 Mine Fire Causes & Prevention – DGMS Exam Notes Mine fires are one of the most dangerous hazards in both underground and opencast mines. They not only damage property but also cause fatalities, toxic gases, explosions, and production loss. DGMS emphasizes strict adherence to fire prevention and control under the Coal Mines Regulations (CMR 2017), Metalliferous Mines Regulations (MMR 1961), Mines Rules 1955, and DGMS circulars. 

---

⚠️ Common Causes of Mine Fires

1. Spontaneous Heating / Combustion
• Common in coal mines due to coal oxidation.
• Factors: air leakage, broken coal, old workings.
2. Frictional Heat
• From conveyor belts, mechanical parts, or drilling.
3. Blasting
• Use of explosives near combustible material.
4. Electrical Equipment
• Short circuits, overloads, overheated cables.
5. Surface Fires
• Burning of OB dumps, timber, or oil storage.
6. Careless Handling of Fire/Flame
• Smoking, welding, or open flame in gassy areas.
7. Oil & Grease Accumulation
• HEMM, workshops, and lubrication areas.

---

🛡️ DGMS Fire Prevention Methods

1. Ventilation Control
• Adequate ventilation to reduce accumulation of heat & gases.
2. Sealing of Old Workings
• Proper isolation to prevent spontaneous heating.
3. Use of Incombustible Materials
• Fire-resistant stoppings, supports, and cables.
4. Fire Detection Systems
• CO detectors, smoke sensors, and thermal scanners.
5. Water Drenching & Inertisation
• Nitrogen flushing, foam injection, and sand stowing.
6. Explosives Control
• Approved storage, handling, and blasting practices.
7. Electrical Safety
• Flameproof equipment in gassy mines, circuit breakers, regular inspections.
8. Fire Fighting Arrangements
• Extinguishers, hydrants, foam generators, and trained rescue teams.
9. DGMS Circulars
• DGMS Tech Circular 02 of 2010 & other notifications guide fire control.

---

📖 Case Study Examples

• Chasnala Disaster (1975): A fire and explosion caused flooding → 375 lives lost.
• Dhanbad Fires: Long-standing fires in coal seams highlight importance of spontaneous heating prevention.
• DGMS Enquiry Reports: Stress importance of early detection and sealing of affected areas.

---

📌 Exam-Oriented Quick Notes

• Spontaneous heating → most common cause of underground fires.
• Use inert gases (N₂/CO₂) to control fire zones.
• Timber is prohibited in gassy seams → use incombustible materials.
• Fire detection → CO monitoring most reliable.
• Sealing old workings → airtight stoppings mandatory.
• CMR 2017 Reg. 169–175 → deal with fire precautions.
• DGMS mandates rescue trained personnel & equipment for fire fighting.

---

🖊️ Descriptive Model Answer Q: Explain the causes and prevention of mine fires as per DGMS guidelines. Answer:
Mine fires occur due to spontaneous combustion, electrical faults, frictional heating, blasting, and careless handling of fire sources. They lead to hazardous gases, explosions, and fatalities. DGMS prescribes the following preventive measures:

• Adequate ventilation & monitoring of gases.
• Sealing of old workings to prevent air leakage.
• Fireproof materials and flameproof electrical equipment.
• Inertisation (nitrogen flushing, foam, sand).
• Strict explosives & oil storage rules.
• Installation of CO detectors & fire-fighting systems.

Conclusion: Prevention through strict compliance with CMR 2017, MMR 1961, and DGMS circulars ensures safety and minimizes disasters.

---

🎯 25 MCQs – Mine Fire Causes & Prevention 

  Q1. The most common cause of underground mine fires in coal mines is:
A. Frictional heat
B. Blasting accidents
C. Spontaneous combustion
D. Welding sparks
E. Electrical short circuit
Answer: C.
Solution: Spontaneous heating of coal is the leading cause. 

  Q2. CO monitoring in mines is primarily used for:
A. Dust control
B. Fire detection
C. Ventilation survey
D. Roof monitoring
E. Diesel equipment testing
Answer: B.
Solution: CO is the first gas produced in mine fires. 

  Q3. Which regulation of CMR 2017 deals with fire precautions?
A. Reg. 169–175
B. Reg. 101
C. Reg. 123
D. Reg. 55
E. Reg. 230
Answer: A.
Solution: Reg. 169–175 cover mine fire precautions. 

  Q4. Which gas is most effective for inertisation in mine fire control?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen
D. Methane
E. Argon
Answer: C.
Solution: Nitrogen is widely used for fire inertisation. 

  Q5. Flameproof electrical equipment is mandatory in:
A. All opencast mines
B. Underground gassy seams
C. Surface workshops
D. Ventilation shafts
E. Explosive magazines
Answer: B.
Solution: Gassy mines require flameproof electricals.

  Q6. Fire hydrants in mines are used for:
A. Lighting
B. Blasting
C. Water supply for firefighting
D. Ventilation
E. Dust suppression only
Answer: C.
Solution: Hydrants supply water to control fires.

  Q7. Timber is prohibited in gassy seams because:
A. It is costly
B. It corrodes
C. It is combustible
D. It blocks ventilation
E. It is weak
Answer: C.
Solution: Timber increases fire risk. 

  Q8. Which DGMS circular provides guidance on mine fire prevention?
A. Tech Circular 02 of 2010
B. Exam Circular 01 of 2021
C. General Circular 03 of 2018
D. Rescue Rules Circular 2005
E. Electrical Circular 07 of 2019
Answer: A.
Solution: DGMS Tech Circular 02 of 2010 covers fire & slope safety. 

  Q9. The Chasnala disaster was caused by:
A. Fire & flooding
B. Roof fall
C. Explosion only
D. Haulage accident
E. Lightning strike
Answer: A.
Solution: Fire + flooding led to 375 fatalities.

  Q10. Which gas is the first indicator of mine fire?
A. CO₂
B. CO
C. CH₄
D. H₂S
E. O₂ deficiency
Answer: B.
Solution: CO is the earliest indicator gas.

---

Q11. Which of the following methods is used to isolate a mine fire area?
A. Foam filling
B. Stone dusting
C. Building airtight stoppings
D. Gas monitoring
E. Sprinkler installation
Answer: C.
Solution: Sealing off fire zones prevents oxygen entry and fire spread.

---

Q12. The first sign of spontaneous heating in coal is:
A. Blue flame
B. Water vapour
C. Increase in temperature and CO formation
D. CO₂ increase
E. Methane rise
Answer: C.
Solution: Early signs include rising temperature and CO levels.

---

Q13. Which of the following materials is most effective for sealing old fire areas?
A. Loose sand
B. Cement brick masonry
C. Wooden planks
D. Timber lagging
E. Rubber sheets
Answer: B.
Solution: Brick masonry stoppings ensure airtight sealing.

---

Q14. In gassy seams, which type of cable should be used?
A. PVC unarmoured
B. Ordinary cable
C. Flameproof cable
D. Aluminium wire
E. None of these
Answer: C.
Solution: Flameproof cables prevent ignition in gassy conditions.

---

Q15. Which of the following gases is least likely to be produced in a mine fire?
A. CO
B. CO₂
C. CH₄
D. H₂S
E. N₂
Answer: E.
Solution: Nitrogen is inert and used for fire suppression, not produced.

---

Q16. Which regulation under CMR 2017 requires reporting of mine fires?
A. Reg. 169
B. Reg. 172
C. Reg. 175
D. Reg. 130
E. Reg. 190
Answer: C.
Solution: Reg. 175 covers reporting and records of fires.

---

Q17. Foam-type fire extinguishers are most suitable for:
A. Electrical fires
B. Metal fires
C. Oil and grease fires
D. Explosions
E. Timber fires
Answer: C.
Solution: Foam forms a film over oil to cut oxygen supply.

---

Q18. The main component of mine fire gases that causes suffocation is:
A. CO₂
B. CH₄
C. CO
D. N₂
E. SO₂
Answer: C.
Solution: Carbon monoxide binds with blood, causing asphyxia.

---

Q19. Which DGMS rule mandates flameproof electricals in gassy mines?
A. CMR Reg. 126
B. MMR Reg. 110
C. Mines Rules Reg. 18
D. CMR Reg. 169
E. None
Answer: A.
Solution: Reg. 126 covers flameproof electrical installations.

---

Q20. Which of the following practices can trigger surface fires in OB dumps?
A. Regular watering
B. Uncontrolled combustion of coal particles
C. Compact dumping
D. Dust suppression
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Exposed coal fines oxidize and catch fire.

---

Q21. What is the main principle of inertisation in mine fires?
A. Increase temperature
B. Replace oxygen with inert gas
C. Remove coal
D. Add fuel
E. Increase humidity
Answer: B.
Solution: Reducing oxygen prevents combustion.

---

Q22. Mine fire prevention forms part of which statutory plan?
A. Environmental Management Plan
B. Ventilation Plan
C. Safety Management Plan
D. Training Plan
E. None
Answer: C.
Solution: SMP includes fire prevention and control strategies.

---

Q23. Which instrument detects CO gas in early fire stages?
A. Methanometer
B. CO detector
C. Hygrometer
D. Barometer
E. Anemometer
Answer: B.
Solution: CO detectors are most reliable for fire detection.

---

Q24. What is the first action to be taken in case of underground fire?
A. Seal fire immediately
B. Evacuate persons and inform manager
C. Pour water
D. Use explosives to seal
E. Continue production
Answer: B.
Solution: Evacuation and reporting ensure safety and quick response.

---

Q25. DGMS emphasizes fire prevention in which key circular?
A. Tech Circular 02 of 2010
B. Exam Circular 01 of 2021
C. General Circular 03 of 2023
D. SOMA Circular 06 of 2019
E. Approval Circular 01 of 2020
Answer: A.
Solution: DGMS Tech Circular 02 of 2010 covers fire prevention, road & slope safety.

---

🧾 Conclusion Mine fires are among the most severe hazards in mining, capable of causing catastrophic loss of life and production.
Understanding their causes, early detection methods, and DGMS prevention measures is vital for every mining professional and DGMS aspirant.
By ensuring regular ventilation checks, using flameproof systems, maintaining fire-resistant materials, and following CMR 2017 Reg. 169–175, managers can drastically reduce fire risks.

---

---

---