Centralia Burning Coal Mine

Useful Information

Location:	Centralia. 11 km west of I-81, north of Ashland, east of Mount Carmel. Follow Rt. 61/54.
Open:	no restrictions [2007]
Fee:	free, may cost your life [2007]
Classification:	Coal Mine
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:	Kevin Patrick (2004): Pennsylvania Caves & other rocky roadside wonders, Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pa, USA, 248 pp, illus.
Address:	Centralia Burning Coal Mine
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1961	start of fire.

Description

Centralia Burning Coal Mine is not a show mine, nevertheless it is a (rather strange) tourist site. The coal vein below the village Centralia started to burn in 1961, and it was impossible to extinguish until now. Unfortunately the toxic gas produced by this fire, especially carbon monoxide, exhales all over the village. With sources of deadly gas in their own basement the inhabitants were forced out of the village and it became a ghost town. The road was closed and huge sign warn visitors. So if you visit this site, be extremely careful. This town is not an official tourist attraction, its more a matter-of-fact-tourist attraction, and a visit is at your own risk!