Burning Ghost Town - Centralia Pennsylvania

Centralia, Pennsylvania, once a thriving coal mining town, became a ghost city after a 1962 fire ignited an underground coal seam. The fire led to health hazards and ground instability, culminating in a 1981 sinkhole incident. This prompted a government buyout and relocation of most residents. A few chose to stay, maintaining a connection to their past. The fire continues to burn, raising questions about the town's future and the preservation of its stories.

What was the primary industry in Centralia before the fire?

• Steel manufacturing

• Coal mining

• Agriculture

• Textile production

What event in 1981 highlighted the dangers of the underground fire?

• A school collapse

• A sinkhole incident involving a boy

• A widespread health epidemic

• A massive explosion

What action did the US Congress take in response to the Centralia fire?

• Declared a state of emergency

• Built a memorial park

• Approved a buyout plan for residents

• Funded a new coal mine

What remains visible in Centralia today?

• A thriving community

• A bustling city

• A large coal mine

• Foundations and remnants of buildings

Why did some residents choose to stay in Centralia despite the risks?

• They were unaware of the dangers

• They had no other place to go

• They felt a strong connection to their home

• They were offered financial incentives

What is the significance of Centralia's cemetery?

• It is where residents meet on holidays

• It is the only safe place in town

• It is a historical landmark

• It is a tourist attraction

What question does the narrator ponder about Centralia's future?

• Will anyone remember the stories of Centralia?

• Will the fire ever be extinguished?

• Will the town be rebuilt?

• Will the remaining residents leave?