Pike River blaze recedes

Pike River cola mine vent shaft shows the flames have disappeared. Photo / Supplied

Police say progress is being made in extinguishing a fire still burning at the Pike River coal mine near Greymouth, though it could be months before rescue teams enter the mine and attempt to retrieve the bodies of 29 workers.

Flames are no longer visible from the mine's ventilation shaft, temperatures on the concrete pad are decreasing and the gas level readings from the mine are showing inert readings.

Superintendent Gary Knowles, who has been leading the operation since the first explosion on November 19, said yesterday's developments were encouraging.

"This is an important step in allowing us to get a metal cap on the vent shaft. Work is also continuing to cool the concrete pad around the vent."

The fact that flames had stopped coming from the shaft did not mean the fire inside the mine was out and the operation might still take weeks, if not months, Mr Knowles said.

The Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy (GAG) machine will continue to be used to put the fire out so that rescuers can enter the mine.

"If we can get the cap on, this will help the GAG in putting out the fire inside the mine."

Progress at the mine comes as the chief coroner plans to meet the families of the 29 men today. He will also travel to the mine site and meet police for a full briefing of the operation.

- NZPA