Centralia Mine Fire - Centralia, PA
N 40° 48.054 W 076° 20.582
18T E 386708 N 4517523
A disastrous mine fire that has had an entire town moved!
Waymark Code: WM5DET
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 12/22/2008
Views: 47
The Centralia Mine Fire began in 1962, and is still burning to this day. One theory states that a garbage fire burning in a pit ignited the coal vein, but there are other theories, and no one really knows for sure. In May, 1969 efforts were under way to control the burning coal vein, and workers had begun to dig a long trench to create a fire break. Then workers decided to take Memorial Day Weekend off. The fire spread while no one was around, and all efforts were futile. Families were bieng moved out for fear of subsidence and health risks caused by hazardous fumes from the burning coal below ground. In 1991 all of the homes in Centralia were bought out and everyone who wanted to leave did. There are a few die hard Centralians left, having a population of 46. Before the fire the town was a bustling 1,100 citizens. In 1994 a large portion of PA 61 was closed due to subsidence.
Today Centralia is a tourist destination. People come from far away to see the disaster that moved an entire community out. The coordinates I gave are for a lookout over the mine fire area and the vacant town. If you wish you may drive, or walk, around and explore. There are areas were smoke is visible from the ground, but it is usually easier to see when it is cold out. Take your time and look around, there is lots to see. Just make sure to follow any warning signs for subsidence, or hazardous gassas. Enjoy.
Type of Structure: other
Other: Undergroud Coal Mine
Fire Date: 01/01/1962
Structure status: Plaque
Cause of Fire:
A garbage fire.
Documentation of the fire: [Web Link]
Construction Date: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Give a narrative of your experience. Did you learn anything after reading about the fire in the waymark? Photos are always welcome too. Please no virtual visits.