An oral history documentary and training video is currently under way that will recapture the 1984 mine fire at the Wilberg operation in Utah, which the creators hope can help others to become more aware of fire hazards as well as recognize overall dangers while on the job.
The video, a collaborative project between the University of Texas Arlington’s Division for Enterprise Development, the Art+Art History Department, and Safety Solutions International, is being funded by a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health along with the University of Texas-Arlington.
When complete, the documentary will tell the story of the Wilberg mine in Emery County, Utah, where 27 workers lost their lives on December 19, 1984 following a fire that was caused by a faulty air compressor allowed to operate in a non-fireproof area.
According to project developers Elaine Cullen and Mark Clive, the primary audience will be mine rescue team members, but both stress that the video will be relevant to all miners and will touch on issues that affect all mining operations.
A preview of the film, which is now in production and has an anticipated release date of 2017, is available to view at the Remember Wilberg Facebook page.
Remember Wilberg Documentary Film Trailer from UTA Film on Vimeo.
