ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Teams from West Virginia and Virginia are being recognized for their mine rescue skills.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration says the teams took top prizes at the Nationwide Coal Mine Rescue Skills Championship.

Officials say 24 mine rescue teams from across the country participated in two days of competition at the Mining Technology and Training Center in Pennsylvania.

The competition included simulated emergency exercises that involved smoke exploration and ventilation, firefighting, fire hose management, gas detection, air measurements, use of breathing apparatus and a written test.

First place went to Alpha Natural Resources’ Coal River East from West Virginia, second place to Alpha Natural Resources’ Brooks Run South Black from West Virginia, and third place to Alpha Maxxim Blue from Virginia.

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