Extension, BC Coal Mine Erupts In Fire, Sep 1901

FIRE IN A COAL MINE.

EIGHT TO FIFTEEN MEN IN DANGER, IF NOT LOST.

Nanaimo, B.C., Sept. 30. -- Number two slope at Extension is on fire and dense clouds of black smoke can be seen from here. Full particulars are not obtainable, but a late report says that from eight to fifteen men are in danger, if not lost. It is said that it was impossible to get air to the men and that they are probably lost.
The fire broke out in the afternoon. The cause is not yet known. Some say that an apron caught fire and others that it was from spontaneous combustion. The manager has sent for hose and fire apparatus to all points in the vicinity.
An unconfirmed report says that no one was lost in the fire.
From the official dispatch to President Dunsmuir it is presumed that the men were entombed and that the air passage being on fire, it was impossible to supply them with air.
Later advices from the mine say the men were warned and all got out safely. Twelve men who entered to subdue the flames never came back. Three others went after them. Then Manager ALEXANDER FAULDS; ROBERT BRYDEN and ANDREW BRYDEN formed a rescue party. They were driven out by smoke and fire. ANDREW BRYDEN being unconscious. He recovered, however. All hope for the men in the mine is abandoned. The mine is likely ruined. No water is available and there is no way of extinguishing the fire except by closing up the entrance, which might cause a terrible explosion. It is feared that hundreds of men will be thrown out of work.

Salt Lake Tribune Utah 1901-10-01

Listing of Casualties:
G. SOUTHCOMBE, timberman.
DAVID GRIFFITHS, timberman.
MICHAEL DOLAN, miner.
E. LYND, miner.
J. BLAKLEY, miner.
FRANK MOTTISHAW, driver.
A. REEVES, driver.
WILLIAM HAMILTON, pusher.
JNO. PATTERSON, miner.
JAMES WATSON, miner.
WILLIAM POLLOCK, miner.
JNO. McCALLUM, miner.
E. HAZEL, pusher.
CHARLES NOYE, pusher.
A. BOYD, pusher.
ANTONIO PESCETTELLI, miner.
GEORGE CRIPPS, driver.
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!