Centralia, Pennsylvania, remains a ghost town due to ongoing underground fire

The town of Centralia, Pennsylvania, has been defined by a persistent underground fire for over six decades. The blaze began in May 1962, likely originating from a landfill fire in an abandoned surface mine, which subsequently spread to coal seams and underground mining tunnels.

As the fire spread through subterranean coal layers, it produced toxic gases, smoke, and hazardous ground instability. While initial attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, the situation escalated through the 1970s and 1980s, leading to significant risks of ground collapse.

In 1984, the U.S. Congress approved funding to relocate residents as the dangers became increasingly severe. Once a functioning community, Centralia is now recognized as one of America's most notable ghost towns due to the uncontrollable nature of the subterranean fire.