The coal mine fire in Victoria

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Firefighters in hospital after exposure to carbon monoxide at Morwell coalmine

the Age

12 February, 2014

Country Fire Authority firefighters have been hospitalised for suspected exposure to a highly toxic gas while fighting fires at the Morwell coalmine.

At least nine firefighters were tested for carbon monoxide poisoning and the CFA has pulled its crews out of the open-cut mine, about 150 kilometres east of Melbourne, where two fires are still burning.

Six firefighters attended Gippsland Base Hospital on Tuesday evening, and another three presented on Wednesday morning. They all required “low level” treatment, such as oxygen.

Frank Evans, chief executive officer for Central Gippsland Health Service, said none of the firefighters were admitted to the hospital, contradicting accounts from a firefighter who said two had stayed overnight.

“They’ve either been discharged or are in the process of being discharged. No one is particularly ill,” Mr Evans said.

A CFA volunteer who was tested for carbon monoxide exposure said a message was sent to firefighters advising them about the potential threat.

“We started hearing about it on Tuesday about midday when we got messages to go to hospital and get checked if you’re suffering shortness of breath, respiratory discomfort, headaches and nausea,” said the firefighter, who asked to remain anonymous.

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that is colourless, odourless and tasteless. In high concentrations it is potentially fatal and can bring on seizures and comas.

The CFA confirmed firefighters had been taken to hospital. Asked about reports that they had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, a CFA spokeswoman said “it’s something we’re aware of”.

Two fires are still burning in a worked out section of the open-cut mine, which supplies the Hazelwood Power Station. The CFA has “temporarily relocated” firefighters from within the mine.

“They will continue to fight [the two fires] from the edge of the mine,” a spokeswoman said. Firefighters are believed to be wearing breathing apparatus.

Trevor Rowe, spokesman for GDZ-Suez, which owns the Hazelwood power station, said the fires posed no threat to the operation of the mine or power supply.

"It’s not an operational area of the mine," he said. "It’s well away from where coal is being dug. The power station is getting all the coal it needs."