Centralia
The Town That's Been Burning for 60 Years
Centralia is America's most famous modern ghost town. An underground coal fire has been burning beneath the streets since 1962. The fire cannot be extinguished and may burn for 250 more years. The government relocated nearly all residents; only 5 remain on land they refuse to leave.
The Fire That Won't Die
In May 1962, the borough set fire to trash in an abandoned strip mine pit used as a landfill. The fire ignited an exposed coal seam and spread into the underground mines. Early attempts to extinguish it failed. By the 1980s, it had spread under homes, releasing carbon monoxide and causing the ground to subside.
The Great Evacuation
In 1984, Congress allocated $42 million to relocate Centralia's residents. Most accepted buyouts by 1992. The borough was condemned and nearly all structures demolished. Pennsylvania revoked the town's zip code in 2002. The few remaining residents won the right to stay until death, after which their homes will be demolished.
Silent Hill Connection
The 2006 film Silent Hill was partly inspired by Centralia. The town's smoking streets, abandoned buildings, and apocalyptic atmosphere captured Hollywood's imagination. Today, the cracked, smoke-venting Route 61 and empty streets draw thousands of curious visitors annually.
Timeline
- 1866 - Founded Coal mining town established
- 1962 - Fire Starts Trash fire ignites underground coal seam
- 1984 - Relocation Begins Congress allocates $42M for buyouts
- 1992 - Condemned Borough officially condemned
- 2002 - Zip Code Revoked 17927 no longer assigned
- Present - Still Burning Fire may burn 250 more years
Photos
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round (winter shows steam best)
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Admission: Free
What to See
- Steam venting from ground near Orthodox cemetery
- Empty streets with a few remaining houses
- Signs warning of toxic gases
- Foundations where homes once stood
Tips
- The famous 'Graffiti Highway' was buried under dirt in 2020
- Steam vents visible on cold days near the cemetery
- Be respectful of remaining residents' privacy
- Stay on public roads; much land is unstable
Quick Facts
- The underground fire has been burning for over 60 years
- Fire may burn for 250 more years across 400 acres of coal
- Only 5 residents remain (down from 2,761)
- Inspired the Silent Hill video game and film
- The closed section of Route 61 is covered in graffiti
- Ground temperature can reach 900°F in some areas
Location
Address: Route 61 (closed section), Columbia County, PA
Coordinates: 40.8042, -76.3406