2 questions (Erie, Centralia: homes, live, dangerous)

[Ronzou]

I was wondering if anyone knew about Centralia. And if you do. Are the fires still going on underground? And, is it a safe place to visit, even with all the time that has passed.

And the other

What can anyone tell me about Erie? Things to do, how big it is? Or just anything you would like to say.

-Thanks

[Dawne]

As far as I know the fires are still burning under Centralia. You can drive through and it's perfectly safe on the roads. I wouldn't venture off the roads on foot, though. I'm not sure "visit" is the right word. There's really nowhere to go. The only buildings remaining are a few homes from die-hard residents that refused to move. Sometimes you can see smoke coming from the ground in different areas, and sometimes you can smell a sulfur smell from the mine fire.

[Ronzou]

Originally Posted by Dawne

As far as I know the fires are still burning under Centralia. You can drive through and it's perfectly safe on the roads. I wouldn't venture off the roads on foot, though. I'm not sure "visit" is the right word. There's really nowhere to go. The only buildings remaining are a few homes from die-hard residents that refused to move. Sometimes you can see smoke coming from the ground in different areas, and sometimes you can smell a sulfur smell from the mine fire.

I read about it on the Internet, and they say the movie "Silent Hill" was modeled after this town.

It seemed like a neat place to see.

Thanks for the information!

[unsure in pa]

i live just north of the mine fire. there are a lot of people that come to visit the mine fire. they travel from many different states(as i see on their license plates.)the town is very empty, not even 10 homes left. centraila was full of homes and businesses. there is a road to drive back on and you can also walk down the hill were the main highway was. there a few holes opening so that is why you need to be very careful. there is a cemetery that has not been touched by the fire, strange. it sounds boring, but it is interesting to see. it is amazing what the fire has destroyed.

[openless]

I have friends and relative who are from that area called the "coal region" it is pretty economically depressed now, mostly older families who grew upo there. as far as i know it is still going on, it is a HUGE fire that is burning underground, giving off toxic gases and chemicals like carbon monoxide that are poisining eveything end eveyone, there are all kinds of sink holes around and it is dangerous. it used to be services by rt. 61, but they build a detour around town, actually i think its off-limits to everyone else who doesnt live there. it sounds funny, but you can get hurt. they had a catholic church and a cemetery left, but now only a few homes are left.