Abstract: Coal field burning does great harm to coal exploring,pit building and mine opening-up.The author has been engaged in substantial research in this area since 1961.This article put emphasis on discribing burning area's characteristic,damage and factors contributing to its forming.After comparison of various methods,surface magneticism-detection method and natural electric field detection method are chosen to determine location and condition of burning area.By drilling into clal mine,surface detection method has been proved correct and it has led to a scientific caculation of coal deposit loss in Xinjiang,which results from regular study of burning section.In the end,the author concisely explains bow to put out fire and how to appraise,examine extinguishment effect.