ABSTRACT Mine fires caused by coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) pose a serious threat to the safety of coal mine in China. In order to improve mechanical properties and inhibition abilities of gel in controlling CSC, a CNFs-reinforced three-dimensional crosslinked inhibition gel was prepared. First, a two-dimensional crosslinked network structure was synthesized. Then, the three-dimensional crosslinked network structure was formed. Graft copolymerization was carried out with the chemical inhibitor tea polyphenol (TP). Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were evenly dispersed and inserted into the three-dimensional crosslinked network structure. XRD and FTIR spectra results indicated that graft copolymerization among the reagents was successful. SEM and EDS analyses showed that the spatial structure became more dense. The filling of CNFs improved the skeleton’s toughness. TGA and DSC experiments revealed that CSC was slowed down and the heat production was reduced. By in situ FTIR, it was found that the gel interrupted the production of active groups in chain reactions. CO production of the inhibited sample was significantly reduced. The inhibition rate was as high as 74.2%. Finally, pollution was reduced. Therefore, composite gel reduces environmental pollution, improves the toughness of the material, and enhances wrapping performance. It is an environmentally friendly and efficient fire extinguishing material.