The Real Silent Hill - Centralia, PA - Underground Mine Fire Burning Since 1962

[PAFirefighter11]

For those who are unaware, Centralia, PA has a mine fire burning deep underneath the town. The fire started in the trash pit back in 1962 and has been burning ever since. Estimates put the duration of the burn (From this point) in centuries - 250-500 years or more. Roger Avery, director of the "Silent Hill" movie, has said part of his inspiration for the movie was from Centralia. He was told about Centralia when he was a child by his father. He and the production crew for the movie visited Centralia as well.

I edited a video late last night (1am). It has some good shots of the highway, smoke from the fire, the church, etc. I've only edited 1 other video ever, so it's nothing amazing.

Click here for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynfKrvRhFF4

Once a thriving mountain town with thousands of people, on top of a massive deposite of Anthracite coal (the longest burning coal in the world), Centralia has deteriorated significantly over the years. Currently the population estimate is under 7 people. As of yesterday it seems only 2-3 houses, a church, an autobody style shop, and the municpal building remain.

Route 61, the main north-south thru-road, has had problems as well. The only Route 61 has subsided extensively. That part of the road has been closed, and a new road around it has been established for several years now. As you can see from the image below, it is not somewhere you want to drive your car. Though a Jeep, or other four wheel drive vehicle makes for a fun time:





As you heard from the video, this is the most people I've EVER seen here on one trip:




This part of Centralia is the ridge that runs west to east:


In the distance you can see new wind turbines that were added over the last 2-3 years:




You can also see the church:


Which upon closer inspection, is really quite near to the church in "Silent Hill" - closer shot:


One of 3 cemetaries in town:




Heading out of town to the East provides some great trails. There are some nice powerlines trails, and intersecting trails that provide some mild wheeling. Nothing too crazy, but it can get a little sketchy at times. Some shots here:




More trips, more videos, more photos in the future. I'm open to recommendations on what you would like to see more of when I head up there next time.

[empera]

awesome pics, thanks for sharing. Definitely a place i'd like to visit..

[Spawne32]

damn id love to come on one of these rides, but i dont think my integra would be that off road worthy lol

[VETTE_50_TH]

I went right through this town a few weeks ago coming home from Ohio and i didnt even know it. It was late though so... But thats frickin cool. Nice pics. It does look shady AF up that way.

[PAFirefighter11]

Thanks all! Since I'm sure some of you enjoy the "smoke" photos - here are some older photos with the smoke:
















Self portrait of me hanging out in one of the smoke filled holes:

[JerseyTuscani]

are there any parts that are unable to be driven too? also is there a way to get to the mines?

[PAFirefighter11]

If you have an SUV you can get around very well. Cars, especially low cars, will not do too well. You will need to park and do some walking.

The neighboring town of Ashland has the Pioneer Coal Mine tour. It goes once an hour or so on some weekends.

[supraguy17]

That's so badass, this is now on my must visit list. Never even heard of this place till the thread.

[Spawne32]

you ever go in any of the buildings?

[PAFirefighter11]

The only remaining buildings are: Church, auto body, 2-3 houses, shed/garage. 3 cemetaries in town.

One of my winter trips: http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/S...176050&k=3NEFa

Photo examples from the album above:




As you can see, it gets hot enough in winter as well to prevent snow accumulation.

[tristatesentra]

this place looks insane what part of PA is this place??

[2g Talon]

watch out for triangle head!

[AWD GS]

Originally Posted by tristatesentra

this place looks insane what part of PA is this place??

about 45 mins southwest of Hazleton

[PAFirefighter11]

In the general area...

Knoebels Amusement Park - 15 minutes NW in Elysburg - Best Theme Park Food in the Nation: http://www.knoebels.com/
Yuengling Brewery Tours - 25 minutes SE in Pottsville: http://www.yuengling.com/breweries/pottsville/
Pioneer Coal Mine Tours - 2 minutes S in Ashland: http://www.pioneertunnel.com/

[inteva6184]

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

In the general area...

Knoebels Amusement Park - 15 minutes NW in Elysburg - Best Theme Park Food in the Nation: http://www.knoebels.com/
Yuengling Brewery Tours - 25 minutes SE in Pottsville: http://www.yuengling.com/breweries/pottsville/
Pioneer Coal Mine Tours - 2 minutes S in Ashland: http://www.pioneertunnel.com/

I love knoebels.

[dangerousatom]

......this IMO is probably one of the best unofficial Mt Biking areas in the state. Just avoid the Game Commission peoples at all cost.
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[tristatesentra]

Originally Posted by AWD GS

about 45 mins southwest of Hazleton

im just goin to google it have no ideal where hazelton is lol

[schaffer]

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

The only remaining buildings are: Church, auto body, 2-3 houses, shed/garage. 3 cemetaries in town.

.

don't forget the fire company!



I work in Ashland and we get people stopping us all the time looking for it. Even had some kids one morning around 230am looking for it. The pioneer tunnel is a good attraction to. It's always busy there on the weekends. Knobels is great if you go on the right day. I know they close in the fall but do weekend stuff for fall and Halloween.

The brewery is cool even if you don't like their beer.

[yellow2000S/R]

Originally Posted by schaffer

...brewery is cool even if you don't like their beer...

Say WHAAAAT?

[PAFirefighter11]

Originally Posted by schaffer

don't forget the fire company!



I work in Ashland and we get people stopping us all the time looking for it. Even had some kids one morning around 230am looking for it. The pioneer tunnel is a good attraction to. It's always busy there on the weekends. Knobels is great if you go on the right day. I know they close in the fall but do weekend stuff for fall and Halloween.

The brewery is cool even if you don't like their beer.

Oops, thought I listed the municipal building! My bad.