EMPLOYEE'S HAD BEEN WELDING ON THE SERVICE SHAFT ELEVATOR DOWN INTO THE MINE WHEN HE NOTICED A SMALL FLAME ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ELEVATOR SHAFT. THE FLAME WAS APPROX. 1-12""WIDE & APPROX. A 1 AND 1/2""FLAME. A SPARK FROM THE BURNING & WELDING IGNITED A METHANE BLEEDER THAT WAS LOCATED APPROX. 1,048' DOWN THE SHAFT. THE FLAME LASTED APPROX. 1 MINUTE & WAS BLUE IN COLOR.