May 10, 2025 - The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is monitoring what is likely an underground fire after multiple reports of smoke were received in White Hall over several days.

According to a Facebook post from the Valley Volunteer Fire Department, crews were first alerted to smoke off of Opal Drive in Whitehall near Winston’s Wheels and Tires on Monday, May 5. Reports of smoke at the location also came in on May 6 and 7.

When responding to the smoke on May 7, crews noted that there was no fire but a “strong odor of burning coal in the area.”

The department states that the area is known for “underground coal seams that have been on fire for several years now” which can sometimes cause thick white smoke to rise to the surface, and that should you see white smoke in the area, it “more than likely is coming from the underground coal seams burning.”

Anyone who sees fire in the area is asked to call 911. The WVDEP is monitoring the situation and is working with the owners, town and fire department.