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Centralia
A coal mine fire has burned beneath this town since 1962. Steam rises from cracks in roads. Toxic gases seep up. The government relocated everyone. A few refuse to leave. The fire will burn for 250 more years.
1962 - Present
Pennsylvania, United States
1000+ witnesses
Centralia is America’s burning ghost town.
The Fire
According to documented accounts:
In 1962:
- Garbage fire in mine shaft
- Ignited coal seam
- Still burning today
- Cannot be extinguished
- Will burn 250+ years
The Effects
What happened:
- Ground hot to touch
- Toxic gases rise
- Sinkholes open
- Roads crack
- Unlivable
The Evacuation
The response:
- Residents bought out
- Forced relocation
- ZIP code removed
- Town officially ended
- Ghost town created
The Holdouts
A few refused:
- Still live there
- Among the smoke
- Government gave up
- Let them stay
- Until they die
The Atmosphere
Visitors find:
- Steam from road cracks
- Abandoned buildings
- Graffiti highway
- Hell on earth feeling
- Post-apocalyptic
The Inspiration
Silent Hill connection:
- Game and film
- Inspired by Centralia
- Burning town
- Fog and ash
- Horror realized