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Fire Shuts Down Portion of Coal Mine

(KSL News) -- An apparent coal fire has forced the permanent shutdown of one section of a coal mine owned by the Kingston polygamy clan.

Officials at the Bear Canyon Co-Op Mine noticed smoke and slightly elevated levels of carbon- monoxide yesterday. They notified regulators and cleared workers out.

Scientists studied a hot spot in that same area a year ago.

Prof. Michael Nelson, Univ. of Utah Mining Engineering: "There was no sign of combustion anywhere in the mine. Our conclusion was that the coal was hot from a fire that occurred some time ago and just was insulated by the overlying earth."

At that time, scientists helped the Kingstons develop safer procedures. No one was hurt yesterday.