2016
NS2803 : Site of Collapsed Pit
taken 8 years ago, near to Wallacetown, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Site of Collapsed Pit
This set of pools marks the site of the Dalquharran pit collapse of 1749, leading to the fire in the mine which burned underground for 150 years or so.
Ignition came from an underground furnace, which was there to create a draught for pit ventilation. The collapsed timbers caught fire first at a depth of 200 feet, followed by the pit head frame on the surface. The coal dust ignited, then the coal near the surface and finally the reserves below ground level. The fire spread along the hill underground and lasted into the 1880s in spite of attempts to close it down and flood it. Steam and gases filtered up to the surface until the early 20th century. There’s still a smell of tar in Glenshalloch Wood in
NS2905.
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