Annual mine rescue contest starts Monday in Logan

The Southern West Virginia Fallen Heroes Mine Rescue Contest got underway Monday in Logan County.

Mine rescue teams gather at the Chief Logan Recreational Center during the annual Southern West Virginia Fallen Heroes Mine Rescue Contest.

Annual mine rescue contest starts Monday in Logan

Robert Fields | WVOW News

LOGAN The annual competition brings mine rescue teams from across the country to the Chief Logan Recreational Center.

Teams put their mine rescue skills to the test during simulated emergencies at the contest.

The contest is hosted by the Central Appalachia Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association in conjunction with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training.

Teams compete in a series of simulated mine emergencies designed to test their knowledge and skills. The events include first aid, first response, ventilation and mine gas scenarios. Teams also take a written skills test.

Judges include current and retired mining industry safety officials.

State and federal regulations require mine rescue teams to participate in at least two competitions each year.

Contests are held throughout the country, but the Logan County competition has continued to grow since it began.

The contest brings teams from across the country to Logan County each year.

Upgrades to the fields at the Chief Logan Recreational Center have helped the event accommodate the growing competition.

The Southern West Virginia Fallen Heroes Mine Rescue Contest runs through Friday, August 14..

WVOW's Shana Nelson contributed to this story.

PHOTOS | United Coal Company, Logan Regional Medical Center