Tagtik

TAGTIK NEWS - TO THE POINT

In the United States, this city has been burning for 60 years... and nothing seems to stop it

byMelissa Hekkers
|
27 Mar 2025 12h45
black and white clouds over mountain
© Unsplash

Nestled deep in Pennsylvania (United States), Centralia has become a ghost town. Since 1962, it has been the victim of an astonishing phenomenon, trapped by an underground fire.

Centralia, which has been burning for more than 60 years, is abandoned by everyone, except for a few curious visitors and tourists. In 1981, the federal governor declared a state of emergency and ordered the total evacuation of the town, reports the media Linternaute, relayed by Demotivateur.

The town no longer breathes; it's only “toxic gases and high temperatures”, filled with ruined and abandoned buildings. The fire has never been controlled.

An uncontrollable fire

Over time, the streets of Centralia began to crack, as oppressive heat seeped in.

Originally, this underground fire started due to a fire in the coal mines located beneath the town, reports Demotivateur. Despite several attempts, the State of Pennsylvania has never been able to stop the spread of this uncontrollable fire.


(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Demotivateur - Illustration: ©Unsplash)

LATEST NEWS

Paul Stanley
20/01/2026 10h00
by Stéphane Soupart

Born on January 20: Paul Stanley (KISS) promises not to touch make-up!

Martha Davis
19/01/2026 10h00
by Stéphane Soupart

Born on January 19: Martha Davis, the Motels' singer's troubled life

Tucker Zimmerman
18/01/2026 16h30

RIP: The legendary Tucker Zimmerman has passed away at the age of 84.

Tom Bailey
18/01/2026 10h00
by Stéphane Soupart

Born on January 18: Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins) always calls his "Doctor! Doctor!"

Paul Young
17/01/2026 11h00
by Stéphane Soupart

Born on January 17: Paul Young holds on to his crown as king of romantic ballads

Françoise Hardy
17/01/2026 10h00
by Stéphane Soupart

Born on January 17: Françoise Hardy left to find the stars in 2024