The Long, Slow Burn of Centralia, Pennsylvania
A sign warning about the dangers found in Centralia, PA thanks to the underground mine fire. Image via Wikimedia Commons.
A devastating underground fire deep within the coal deposits of Pennsylvania has been burning for 57 years. Started by accident, it grew into a monstrosity that drove an entire town into oblivion.
The Centralia Mine Fire is one of mining's longest-lived catastrophes, and it provides yet another example of greed and poor decision-making gone horribly, irreversibly wrong. It's such a unique, disturbing place that it was even the inspiration for the Silent Hill series of video games and movies.
Maps
Map of Centralia before the Fire by Vasiliy Meshko
Map of Centralia after the Fire by Vasiliy Meshko
Interesting Information
The Report by the Department of the Interior: Problems in the Control of Anthracite Mine Fires: A Case Study of the Centralia Mine Fire (August 1980) - Click to Download
David DeKok’s book - Fire Underground: The Ongoing Tragedy Of The Centralia Mine Fire
Drive For Anthracite - War Production Board Video
Images
Top L to R: Empty Centralia streets - by Mredden; Failed Trench to Intercept Fire - by James St. John; A Row House in Centralia braced with bricks after its neighbor was torn down - by Z22
Middle L to R: Steam from the fire venting out of the ground - by Jrmski; Subsidence cracks in abandoned Highway 61 - by JohnDS; Discoloration of debris from fire vents - by James St. John.
Bottom L to R: Mine rescue crew with canary resuscitation cage - by US MSHA; Coal miners with caged canary - by US MSHA; Graffiti Highway - by formulaone
Sources
The Centralia Mine Fire Frequently Asked Questions - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Slow Burn In Centralia, PA - The New York Times Magazine
Pennsylvania Town Lives With Fire That Won’t Stop - The New York Times
U.S. Ending Aid to Town Affected by 19-Year Fire - The New York Times
Boy’s Mishap Renews Fears On Two-Decade Mine Fire - The New York Times
Centralia Temperature Monitoring Boreholes - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Centralia Temperature Monitoring - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Centralia Gas Monitor Readings - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
History of St. Ignatius Church Centralia, PA - Byrnesville.com
Graffiti Highway, Centralia Pennsylvania - Centraliapa.org
1949 Act 439 - Pennsylvania General Assembly
Eminent Domain in Coal Country Called a Billion-Dollar Land Grab - courthousenews.com