Spontaneous fire appears to be a pretty rare natural phenomenon, but scientists have proven it is actually pretty common above and below the Earth’s surface. Underground coal or gas tends to feed these ever-burning fires, most of which cannot be put out. Science has started calling them “eternal flames” as most have been burning for centuries at a time. They are pretty odd. Here are 5 weird natural flames that no one can put out, and maybe somewhere where you should plan your next vacation!
5. Chestnut Ridge Park
5. Chestnut Ridge Park
Located just behind a flowing waterfall in the Chestnut Ridge Park, Pennsylvania, a strange flame continues to burn just near the water. It is both beautiful and odd, considering it can be seen by tourists through the floods.
4. Jharia Coalfield
4. Jharia Coalfield
The Jharia Coalfield, in India, is the biggest coal mine fire in the entire world. There are currently 70 different coal mines burning, with thousands of tons of carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere each year.
3. The Smoking Hills
3. The Smoking Hills
The Smoking Hills were first discovered by John Franklin in 1826 while on an expedition. The hills are made up of hydrocarbons and have been burning for centuries.
2. Mrapen
2. Mrapen
In an old Indonesian legend, there lies the village of Manggarmas, where a group of monks were tired and came to rest. Sunan Kalijaga stuck his stick in the ground, and ended up bringing up flames. This flame has become sacred, and burns even today.
1. Jwalamukhi Temple
1. Jwalamukhi Temple
The Jwalamukhi Temple houses an eternal flame that burns bright blue. It comes from natural gas seeping through the rock temple, and is quite small. Thousands visit every single year, bringing their own gifts for the flame.
