Keystone’s Ingersoll Mine catches fire

Multiple agencies, including Battle Creek Fire District in Keystone and Hill City Fire District in Hill City, responded to a blaze at the Ingersoll mine in Keystone Saturday, Feb. 26.

Fire departments converged on the site from two different access points, one off of Hwy. 16A/Trixie Lane and off Old Hill City Road. The Trixie Lane approach allowed crews to bring in trucks for water. 

Crews who accessed the fire via old Hill City Road had an approximately one-mile hike up a  steep trail to the site. The hike had several downed trees and was slushy and icy in areas. Crews had the blaze under control by approximately 4:30 p.m. The predominant structure was heavily damaged. Ash and smoke took over the area and approximately two acres of  grassland was destroyed. Crews created a fire line, which along with the minimal snow cover, allowed the forest to be spared.

The Ingersoll Mine was a popular hike listed on multiple sites including Alltrails, athough the site has recently been posted with no trespassing signs.

A fairly preserved, yet dilapidated, building was the crowning achievement for the short  approach. The multi-story building had numerous stairways and floor boards to walk over for those who were not faint of heart. There are also multiple caves complete with blast holes several yards from the  building site. 

There is no known cause of the fire but is likely the  result of human activity since there are no power lines nearby, nor any other habitable structures within the 10.33 acre site.