Pennsylvania's 50-Year-Old Coal Fire

The video discusses the ongoing coal fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, which started in 1962 and continues to burn. It highlights the global prevalence of coal fires, their causes, including spontaneous combustion, and the environmental and structural damage they cause. Efforts to extinguish these fires, particularly in Centralia, have been largely unsuccessful, leading to the relocation of residents. The video also compares Centralia's fire to other long-burning coal fires worldwide.

What event is believed to have initiated the coal fire in Centralia?

• A volcanic eruption

• Sanitation workers burning trash

• A lightning strike

• A forest fire

Which country is mentioned as having significant underground coal fires, burning millions of metric tons annually?

• India

• Russia

• Australia

• China

What is a key factor that makes low-grade soft coal more likely to spontaneously combust?

• High moisture content

• Proximity to water bodies

• Exposure to open air

• Presence of sulfur

What environmental impact is associated with coal fires?

• Reduction in air pollution

• Release of toxic emissions

• Increase in local wildlife

• Decrease in global temperatures

What was one of the methods attempted to extinguish the Centralia fire?

• Pouring wet sand and gravel

• Using chemical fire retardants

• Covering the area with a metal sheet

• Flooding the area with water