Is Centralia PA dangerous?

Is Centralia PA dangerous?

Centralia is not a tourist destination. Much of the area has it's dangers with toxic gases and subsidence, meaning the ground can and does cave in, possibly opening up dangerous underground caverns of burning coal that can kill you in an instant.

Are there any residents left in Centralia PA?

The first mines opened in Centralia in 1856, and the town's population peaked in 1890. ... Today, Centralia is the least-populated municipality in Pennsylvania. In 2017, there were just five permanent residents. The USPS discontinued Centralia's ZIP code in 2002.

Where is Silent Hill located?

West Virginia Silent Hill is located in coal region of West Virginia, just as Centralia was founded in a coal mining area in Pennsylvania. In the town of Silent Hill, a thick blanket of fog and ash descend from the sky.

Does Centralia PA have electricity?

Electricity is sold for relatively cheap in the United States. This doesn't provide much confidence that a hypothetical power plant would generate much of a profit. Centralia, Pennsylvania still has enough coal under the town to keep the mine fire burning for a few more centuries.

Does anyone still live in Centralia PA 2020?

20, 2019. The town is still home to about 10 people, making it the smallest municipality in the commonwealth. Its fire company, the Centralia Fire Company, designated Station 340 by Columbia County, is still active.

Is Centralia still burning 2020?

Today, Centralia still burns as one of 38 known active mining fires in the Pennsylvania. According to the state's Department of Environmental Protection, the fire could burn for another century if left uncontrolled.

How long will Centralia burn for?

16) Q: How long can the Centralia Mine Fire burn? A: If left uncontrolled, it is estimated that the Centralia Mine Fire could burn for over 100 years.

Is it legal to explore Centralia, Pennsylvania?

A few people have asked if it is legal to explore the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. In short, there is nothing stopping visitors from driving into the borough, parking, and walking around. A majority of Centralia is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It was acquired through the power of eminent domain in the early 1990s.

Are there any major roads in Centralia PA?

Several major routes and minor roads run right through Centralia PA. Rt 54, Rt 61 and Rt 42 all pass through the town and are open to traffic. Hundreds if not thousands pass this way daily. So entering Centralia is legal and it is not closed off to the public.

Is there a visitor center in Centralia PA?

Centralia has become a fascination for many people, but it has not become a destination per se, or the usual tourist trap. There are no museums, tours, or visitor centers. You probably only need an hour or two to explore this small town before you continue your road trip through Pennsylvania.

What are the dangers of visiting Centralia PA?

Though, you do have to be careful. The main danger to visitors exploring the borough is subsidence. Subsidence occurs when the ground gives way to form a sink hole or other change in elevation The mine fire under Centralia Pennsylvania has increased the risk of sudden, unexpected subsidence.