A REPORTED GAS OR DUST IGNITION OCCURRED IN THE SOUTH MAINS SECTION AT THE FACE OF #3 ENTRY OF THE FUTURE 6 EAST GATE PANEL. THE MINER WAS MINING IN A CLAY VEIN WHEN A ORANGE BALL CAME FROM TH E CUTTING HEAD. LAST APPROX COUPLE OF SECONDS. THE MINER WAS ON THE AIR CURTAIN SIDE OF THE CUT AND WAS CUTTING HARD ROCK. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THIS INCIDENT WAS METHANE SNIFFER PLUGGED WI