It might be years but not really a situation that should close the mine forever. It depends on the cause of the fire. Was it a gas ignition? I doubt it as gas goes bang and then causes a dust explosion from my understanding. Just guessing I suppose but sounds more like a spontaneous combustion event. Wind accelerates the sponcom and maybe the coal was not properly stone dusted. I used to run a lab that analysed the stone dusting. I assume it is still a practice. Anyway it is a sad event and I hope they can sort it out and get going again,
