The Real Silent Hill - Centralia PA Mine Fire

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Wow, you're good. Lux Aeterna - Requiem for a Dream... didn't think anyone knew that!

[@trajan231]

As I understand it, the fire was not started from within the mine tunnels. It started when a trash fire at the tip ignited an exposed seam of coal. The fire then burned its way down into the tunnels beneath Centralia

[@OonaCanute]

Really well done. I couldn't believe the part with the match!

[@hamishg7730]

Unfortunately because of the music, I can't hear a lot of the things you said.

[@Rahheemme]

Wow. That was really interesting. I wish more documentaries were on stuff like this. Also, thanks for showing where Lux Aeterna is APPROPRIATE!

[@DereokeB]

Thank you! I've been looking for that song forever!

[@hmpeter]

We have a coal bed burning since 1668 over here. But luckily there is no town above. Great video!

[@dorothybieski6587]

I LIVE VERY CLOSE AND I CAN TELL YOU THIS YOUNG MAN WIT THIS VIDEO AND MUSIC HAVE MADE A DEEP IMPRINT ON MY HEART....THANK YOU

[@gothicwigga]

Dorothy Bieski lmao

[@dxb8086]

+Dorothy Bieski Nobody here is blind, And if anyone is, caps really are not going to help much...

[@tjanipka1]

The First Track is Agfa Montage - One Hour Photo.

[@daltonnabors]

There are small tunnels that are drilled into the main mine so the workers can breathe. They draw in oxygen from the surface. Also, most caves and mines aren't airtight.

[@DJZephyr]

Whoa, don't drop a match. That place DEFINES Hell on earth. The split road looks like sumtin' out of a movie. Nice vid, can see how this inspired a series like Silent Hill.

[@njnyri88]

I just read online, there are only 9 residents(2007) in Centralia, PA, that's amazing!!! It's like a ghost town, completely forgotten.

[@trajan231]

The mines were shut down long before the fire started

[@randomtraveler9854]

What a tragic story, here's to hoping a town never suffers such a fate again.

[@natashka06]

Wow now that is a surreal occurrence... Cool, I wish I could go!

[@THEGHOSTSLAVE]

It spread to a town several miles to the south, condemned it as well.

[@Rahheemme]

It's a great song. Most people just use it in really stupid situations in videos to add dramatic effect that's not really there to begin with. This video uses the song to accentuate the suspense and drama that's already there. Kudos!

[@Davidow1]

Damn, that's one creepy place! It would have been nice though if they had filmed more in the town as well.

[@Landrar]

Nice remix of Requiem of a Dream.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Air quality in parts of the area that made up the town are tested as good. But the fire still burns and if you test the air in the area near the visibly smoking hillside, it will not test good. There are several currently occupied homes that border that location.

[@bullpuky]

Do you have any idea how much cement you're talking about? It would be cheaper and easier to bypass to town's roads, move the people, re-route the electric, gas and petroleum lines that run through the area and then strip mine the whole area, digging up the fire and recovering the un-burned coal under the town to re-coop the costs of the mining operation.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Below the town is a network of mine shafts, many of them bootlegged. There are plenty of air inlets all around the area. Its not really burning. Its smoldering. Slowly. So there isn't a need for a huge oxygen supply to keep it going.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Sony pictures says in their website that Centralia PA was part of the inspiration during the writing of the movie, Silent Hill.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

It is possible that the coal under the town is submerged under water. Not sure how the people you talked to would know that, there hasn't been any recent drilling in the area. The real threat is subsidence. A large portion of the coal seams below the town have burned away. The result is caverns below the surface that can collapse without warning. Subsidence happens periodically. Recently the busy road of Rt 61 itself collapsed 40 feet from a house (which had since been torn down).

[@bullpuky]

The subsidence damage to the road that was closed off was PA 54 AND PA 61. It's a dual route.

[@gino454]

i used to drive right thru this town when i was a kid in the mid 80's and it was so eerie. (there were still alot of people living there).anyway i just seen it on modern marvels all the attempts to put it out and it brought back that eerie feeling of the ghost town. there actually another mine fire buring like 10 miles away from my house in summit hill...not as bad tho good old coal mining towns lol

[@TommyBoy24]

centralia is about a half hour from where i live, and thats driving there of course, my relatives live next to mays drive in, right next to the road where you turn to centralia, my grandfather used to work in the mines

[@empTe81]

Not too far from there I'm near Scranton, I'd like ti check it out someday.

[@Darkmage1293]

Heh. I still love coming to watch this video. I wonder if the trip is worth it.

[@bullpuky]

Hang out in an area where the toxic gases collect for a while. Like a basement, or one of the valleys or subsided areas. 7 years ago there was much more visible smoke. The fire was closer the surface on the burning hillside at the west side of South St. Today the fire has either moved deeper or has lessened. Again, there's a lot you don't know.

[@bullpuky]

@bullpuky Wiki continued: PA 54 formerly ran concurrent with PA 61 through Centralia but was rerouted along Pennsylvania Route 901 and three quadrant routes in 1999, completely bypassing Centralia. Nowadays, only PA 61 goes through Centralia while PA 54 now goes directly from Ashland to Mount Carmel along the aforementioned alignment via PA 901. The road signs for PA 54 were removed from Centralia several years ago. Routes 54 and 61 meet up again at an intersection just outside of Mount Carmel.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Actually, if you read Sony Picture's page on Silent Hill, you'll read this: In researching the different elements of Silent Hill, screenwriter Roger Avary came across the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania (it's interesting that LA moviemakers look to the deep Midwest [or in this case, the eastern U.S. in Pennsylvania] when they're looking for something "strange" or "different"). Centralia planted the seed for what developed into the cinematic version of the town of Silent Hill.

[@bullpuky]

@eggfromsywell No, you're completely wrong about the amount of coal you think has burning here. Most days you can't event tell it's still on fire. It's been burning for almost 50 yrs yet only consumed a small amount of coal under the surface. The fire is smoldering, not raging.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

That's because the fire is under ground. Its an underground mine fire. The coal under the ground is burning. Not an easy thing to see unless its exposed somewhere, which hasn't happened in over 10 years. The heat vents at the surface. The match is demonstrating how much heat is venting at the surface. To read more, google Centralia.

[@karkidsimmons]

I have found multiple quartz rocks in centralia they look amazing

[@manda0313]

i was there! they say the fire started from someone burning trash near an open coal vein which then sparked the fire underground.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

@Exarian The basic storyline of Silent Hill came from the game. But beyond that Roger Avary used elements of the strange story of Centralia to develop the cinematic version of the town of Silent Hill. That's a known fact, just like a lot of Silent Hill fanatics don't like to hear that Centralia inspired the filmwriter of Silent Hill.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Yeah, I see that. No problem, I enjoy answering real questions about Centralia.

[@CleverDjembe]

Very interesting, kool and scary at the same time!

[@Offroadersdotcom]

@dgabbor I don't know why Underground Online referred to Centralia as midwest. Perhaps they should have look at the map first.

[@bullpuky]

@Obviously Wikipedia: Centralia branch of PA 54/61 - A view of the closed, damaged section of PA 61 south of Centralia. Because of the coal mine fire in Centralia, the original branch of Routes 54 and 61, which went from Centralia to Ashland, has been permanently closed because the road has severely opened up and buckled extensively. This branch was repaired in 1983 for $500,000; then in 1992 it was deemed too expensive to repair again. In 1994, the branch was permanently closed.

[@bullpuky]

@Obviously Go to centraliaminefirecom and look at their Centralia Photo Archive and look at the photo of the center of town. This is Locust Avenue, Centralia's main street in 1983. There is a junction sign that clearly shows Rt 61, Rt 54 and Rt 42. This is what I remember from years ago.

[@looshkin66]

that is the whole reason i would go! Not many places line that in north america,

[@tomserovich2928]

Keeping a slow cooler fire is what we did at night to keep our homes warm. We would cut off the air somewhat and put coal in the furnace. This would "simmer over night and give plenty of heat. In the morning, open the air damper and the lower door and the furnace will get hotter tan you could stand. I loved mornings like this.

[@bullpuky]

In researching the different elements of Silent Hill, screenwriter Roger Avary came across the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania (it's interesting that LA moviemakers look to the deep Midwest [or in this case, the eastern U.S. in Pennsylvania] when they're looking for something "strange" or "different"). Centralia planted the seed for what developed into the cinematic version of the town of Silent Hill. Source: Sony Pictures

[@lorenaelizabethch585]

what year is this video? i saw other videos and they dont found nothing fogy in centralia

[@jessecohen5956]

well technically it already did spread to other towns. Byrnesville, located to the south was abandoned some time ago.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

@xOXrazzelfrazzelMDXP Read the updated description above for a link to an article that details how screenwriter Roger Avary found inspiration within Centralia when researching the different elements of the movie Silent Hill.

[@BlueGlassLightning]

So cool!

[@Offroadersdotcom]

I'm going to assume you are not bullshitting with your questions. The fire started in the wall of a trash pit where an "open coal seam" was exposed. A coal seam is not a tunnel. It was exposed coal. From there it started burning down into the ground. That was 47 years ago. Today that location is a field. The fire moved deep underground burning the layers of coal as it moved slowly over 47 years. Where you see smoke today is where the coal is near the surface very far from where the fire started

[@dwatts5250]

Last count I think there were a grand total of 6 people still actually residing in Centralia,Im hoping to get down there before it all goes up.Ive got friends in Ashland, say they think the fire might spread that way.

[@bullpuky]

So yes, the town did inspire the movie. That quote cames from Sony pictures and an article in the site that posted this video. Research it a little.

[@bullpuky]

@Exarian Ah, yes it did. Do a little research. "When researching the different elements of Silent Hill, screenwriter Roger Avary came across the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. Centralia planted the seed for what developed into the cinematic version of the town of Silent Hill." Source: Underground Online and Sony Pictures

[@dmingraham62]

between the music overriding the narrative, and the shaky camera work, I found this poorly done.

[@dmingraham62]

***** I have an opinion and I exercised my rights of free speech, If you don't like it, please feel free to just pass on by. Some people are not so thin skinned as you and welcome constructive criticism. I could tell you the same, Show some respect!

[@dmingraham62]

You have absolutely no idea who you are talking to or what my background is. You talk about respect, but you fail to realize it is a two way street. My original comment was an honest opinion. I wouldn't want empty praise posted just to spare my feelings if I posted a video. Before you go off on your next rant, I have no desire to post a video, but, anyone who does should have an intelligent outlook and weigh praise and criticism equally and make their own decision. I didn't see the author comment. Maybe you should leave the outrage for the person who has the right to it. Put on another shirt, then maybe your feelings will be less likely to be injured. I grow weary of this banter, Keep on posting Offroadersdotcom, no one elses opinion matters unless you allow it to.

[@craftingmac6162]

Hold up, let me make shaky footage that was recorded over 30 years ago not shaky. Doesn't make sense, right? How about you also exercise your respect, too. Edit: Although some of the footage seems to have been recorded more recently, it also looks as if it was recorded in the early 2000's, you have no right to complain.

[@thrummer1953]

Actually silvovich there is a tested,but relatively new method called nitrogen foam occlusion that would likely work. Estimates for the job run @ just under $700,000,000.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

That story would be about Todd Domboski. On February 14, 1981, the ground collapsed under Todd Domboski. A hole about 4 feet in diameter and roughly 150 feet deep had opened under him. He clung to exposed tree roots and was pulled to safety by his cousin. The heat or the carbon monoxide in the breach would have been sufficient to kill him instantly if he had gone just a little deeper.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

No, you are interpreting the title incorrectly. According to Sony Pictures, during the writing stage of the movie Silent Hill, the story about the town of Centralia inspired the writing of the movie Silent Hill. Silent Hill's fictional story is not same story as Centralia's true story. Centralia only helped to inspire the writers.

[@doomlad13]

thank you

[@DereokeB]

Does anyone know what that song was called? i really liked it

[@bullpuky]

It was $42 million not 10 million. In 1984 U.S. Congress appropriates $42 million for voluntary acquisition and relocation of impacted businesses and residences due to dangers caused by fire. In 1992/1993 condemnation procedures were initiated against remaining 53 properties. There is far more coal than 30 years worth. Silent Hill was filmed in Brantford Ontario, Hamilton Ontario & Alma College, not in Centralia PA. Centralia only inspired the storyline of Silent Hill.

[@cbman96]

i heard all the roads have been blocked off from the town, true?

[@bullpuky]

Thanks for the video. Very interesting. I was talking specifically about Centralia's coal fire, which is small in comparision to some others. Especially those in the coal field of China. I go to Centralia now and then and the area that has coal burning below is not large and it moves very slow over the years. I don't discount that all fires combined in the world contribute to pollution and greenhouse gases.

[@bullpuky]

Are they burning under the ground?

[@bullpuky]

@goatofscape It doesn't look to me like he struck the match, rather like he pulled back because it had lit and it was down in the hole. I've personally been there on several occasions and I can say first hand that the rocks are pretty damn hot and the gas coming out from between the rocks in places is very hot. Definitely hot enough to light a match. I've put sticks down in and over these vents and within 5 minutes the sticks were smoldering and smoking.

[@bmw5002]

what is the first song that is played in the beginning? it sounds familiar but i cant place it.

[@R0N1N_78]

why is the music so loud? hard to understand the speaker :-(

[@eridaniblack]

What is this music from? It sounds so familiar.

[@jeckert547]

Im surprised at how close I live to this place and I only found out about it today. M science teacher told the class about it.

[@Wutzin]

what would happen if you would go along the street till the end? whats there? or would the street broke in?

[@Offroadersdotcom]

By the way, if you go there and get photos of the fire, send them to our site and we'll post them for the world to see (with credit to you of course). If you survive that is ....

[@Slaby86]

@amberview30 It was actually the fire department but as I understand it, it was a combination of not being extinguished properly and clay dividers between the trash and the coal vein not being installed quickly enough to keep up with the use of that area for trash burning. Basically it was the negligence of multiple groups of people. Can't point the finger at just one person.

[@Velgroth]

1:15 goosebumps opening scene on the beginning credits

[@Offroadersdotcom]

The power plant idea would be a waste of money. Not enough heat to generate any power and the heat source will move over time.

[@bullpuky]

When you compare the contrast of what Centralia was to what it is now, it is abandoned as a town. If you read the news you would know that the last of the residents was be forcefully removed from their homes in the near future.

[@derekwall82]

okay, what happened to the mine when the fire started? after it was evacuated, did anyone make any attempt to seal off any effected shaft and air shaft from the flames? or would they have just shut down the mine and sealed it off at the entry? I would've detonated and sealed all air shafts, passage ways, tunnels, and any entry to the mine after I had made 100% sure that everyone was out of the mine.

[@CatCatSoup]

What is that music? I know it but I don't know where I heard it... Help me...

[@bullpuky]

@gmoney101392 ... What a novel idea! Why didn't they think of that?

[@Offroadersdotcom]

I sent you the link in a private message. KZbin blocks web addresses from being posted.

[@doomlad13]

what's the name of the music you used?

[@Offroadersdotcom]

@tabbie1045 Read the description above for directions to Centralia PA

[@justine.3576]

Wonder if it could spread underground to nearby towns.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Haha you're a funny guy. People reading this who want to check out what's left of the town, just look at a map. Three major PA routes run straight through the center of what was Centralia PA. Routes 61, 54 and 43. Thousands of people pass through the town every week. In fact, there's not even much to see anymore except empty streets and a smouldering hillside where nothing grows.

[@Slaby86]

@thefumanchew There are countless mine shafts and strip mines in and around this area and even the surrounding counties. There's absolutely no way to block them all off and cut off the oxygen supply to the fire.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Yeah, they were filming it with their ipod but he dropped it into the burning hole. Bummer huh.

[@einarknutsen]

how is it still burning and what happened?

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Just like in the movies. I even think the hole growled at them like it wanted to eat humans. They say the place is haunted. Evil lurks under the ground.

[@McDanklestank]

I live in shamokin which is about 15 miles from centralia

[@bullpuky]

@Obviously At one time 54 and 61 shared the same route, at least according to some older maps AND some older pictures I've seen. I'm looking at a photo that's looking east on East Centre Street in 1986. There's a PA Route 54 sign. Sorry, youtube won't let me post a link. I also have an old map that shows 54/61 as the same route for a stretch through Centralia to Mount Carmel.

[@moseswarner3510]

You know silent hill is a real town

[@Offroadersdotcom]

No... you don't understand... there is no "tunnel" to go into. But hey, don't let me try to convince you what you're talking about. If you go I want to see pictures!

[@AmbientNoise404]

the song is requiem for a dream

[@slivovich9821]

People who examined Centralia said there's enough coal under the core to burn for about 600-800 years more, and there's really no a good logical way to stop it, pretty much impossible.

[@bullpuky]

The story line for the Movie "Silent Hill" was inspired by the town of Centralia. The game name was also part of the inspiration for the movie. Do a little research. Just read what Sony Pictures wrote.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

1962 and still burning.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

The story about Todd Domboski is true. Maybe a little exaggerated, but true. Do you know what subsidence is? About the haunted Centralia, there are stories. Did you visit that site yet? There's an article on there about Centralia being haunted.

[@HamStands]

what is the song at the beggining?

[@andalasiawin7]

please tell me ! can i go there in this video now.

[@AmbientNoise404]

nice this looks like silent hill

[@Offroadersdotcom]

No, you can't. If you ever entered a burning coal mine, you'd die instantly. Heat and deadly gases would kill you before you even had a clue. Secondly the fire is not simply in a tunnel. The coal under the ground is burning. Coal mine tunnels cut through coal. Miners leave walls of coal to hold up the ceiling and put wood bracing to prevent cave-ins. The walls of coal and bracing burn first, then the ground collapses in. There are no tunnels. The fire continued burning the layers of coal.

[@Offroadersdotcom]

Google it "Centralia PA" Read the stuff from Offroaders . com and go to Maps.