Underground Fire and Landslide Damage Affect Businesses in Marion County
What happened
An ongoing fire in a pre-law coal mine in Marion County has resulted in a hillside slide that is damaging local properties and businesses. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has been monitoring the underground fire since May of last year. The slide, caused by record rainfall in the summer of 2026, is now encroaching on buildings below the mine and has damaged a waterline and the electric line serving homes.
From wajr.com
Why it matters
The slide has affected at least four businesses and four homes in the area. Stabilization bids for the hill will open on October 8, and the project is expected to take 90 days, raising concerns about the timeline for repairs and property safety.
From wajr.com
Who's involved
- Marion CountyCounty where the underground fire and subsequent slide are occurring
- West Virginia Department of Environmental ProtectionGovernment agency monitoring the underground fire in the county
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Marion CountySpeculative
Businesses affected by the slide might face revenue loss due to property damage and disruption.
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The entities involved
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Marion County
county in Texas, United States
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West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
West Virginia government department