Wilberg Mine Fire
Emery County, Utah
December 19, 1984
The Wilberg Mine near Orangeville, in Emery County, Utah, caught fire on December 19, 1984. The fire claimed 27 lives: 18 miners and 9 company officials. The disaster was the worst coal mine fire in Utah history. The escape route of the 27 persons was cut off when the fire quickly engulfed the intake of the 5th Right longwall. The fire was caused by a faulty air compressor, which was allowed to run unattended in an area that was not fire-proofed. |
