AMFIRE Mining Company plans to open up a mine in Cresson. With no mines currently in that area, firefighters and paramedics may be called upon to do something they never thought they'd have to.
Running into a burning home to rescue someone or responding to a terrible traffic accident is nothing for these men and women. But when it comes to a mine accident they dont have experience.
Dozens of firefighters from several area fire departments were in training at the Cresson Fire Department with the DEP and AMFIRE for an overview of mining; basic information these first responders need to familiarize themselves with.
These first responders won't have to go underground. Mine rescue has their own technicians to do that. But if a catastrophe were to happen, the local emergency workers would be called upon do what needs to be done above ground.
AMFIRE hopes to start removing coal from the Cresson mine by early next year.
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