Small fire at Lucky Friday quickly dispatched

MULLAN –– A small surface fire that broke out at the Lucky Friday Mine Wednesday morning was put out before any serious damage could be caused.

It’s not known specifically how the fire broke out on June 26, but it was reported to the News-Press that insulation surrounding the belt that runs from the silver shaft to an ore repository caught fire after some welding was done on the outer structure surrounding the belt.

After noticing the smoke, the mine was quickly and safely evacuated.

The Mullan Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD), along with the Lucky Friday’s own mine rescue crew, then worked side by side to put out the small fire.

According to Jason Gribble with MVFD, the mine avoided potential disaster given the location of the fire and all of the factors that contributed to the situation.

Gribble was also able to give his insight into what may have caused the small fire.

“They got lucky, it was right above the air intake, but they got everyone out safely,” Gribble said. “Because of the location I think they were welding on the outside and they got the metal hot enough inside the tube and it caught some of the insulation. Fortunately it didn’t go anywhere, it could have been a stove pipe effect and it could have been catastrophic.”

Hecla Mining Company, the owners of the Lucky Friday Mine, were kept abreast of the situation and were happy with the fluidity in which it was handled.

“It was a great coordination between Mullan Fire Department and our Mine Rescue crew,” Hecla’s VP of External Affairs, Luke Russell said. “They were able to get in there and get it taken care of by the book. We are very happy with how quickly and safely the fire was handled.”

As mentioned, the mine was safely evacuated, with no injuries reported and the only known damage at this time is some burnt insulation.