Quote:NEW CASTLE, Colo. -- For more than a century a small town near the Western Slope has been burning its way into Colorado's history book.
The town of New Castle is home to a historic coal seam fire that has been burning for more than 120 years, according to History Colorado.
There are actually two coal seam fires burning in New Castle, but the biggest and longest running is by far the one burning at the old Vulcan Mine.
In the late 1800s into the early 1900s, New Castle was known as a coal mining town.
Steve Turner, the Executive Director of History Colorado, said coal seam fires aren't rare. In fact there are more than 1,000 of them world-wide. But what makes Colorado's unique, is its age.
"[It] is actually the longest burning fire in the country. It started in the late 1800s," Turner explained.
For residents of New Castle, it's considered a source of pride.
"We have this historic feature right here in town," said New Castle Mayor Pro-Tempore, Bruce Leland.
In the winter months you can usually see smoke rising from the site of the fire on Burning Mountain, even from as far back as I-70.
New Castle is about 15 miles west of Glenwood Springs. To learn more about the town, click here.
To see Kevin Torres' 'Unique 2 Colorado' story about the 120-year-old fire, hit play on the video attached to this story.
Editor's Note: Special thanks to Ann Louise Ramsey for helping us tell this story by sharing her photographs and video of New Castle!
I live near this town and can confirm the coal seam fires, but I never actually knew there was a coal seam fire burning for about 120 years though. I found this to be pretty neat so I thought I'd share.
(Nov 30, 2016 02:58 PM)GhostFaceKilla Wrote: I live in Colorado. This is not real. I have been to new castle many times and the locals dont even know what your talking about
Lmao I live next to new castle, and yes it is true, but its burning within the mountain. Its burning all the coal. Just look during the winter wnd you will see spots on the mountain where there is no snow, its because its too hot there, due to the internal fire.
(Nov 30, 2016 02:58 PM)GhostFaceKilla Wrote: I live in Colorado. This is not real. I have been to new castle many times and the locals dont even know what your talking about
Don't be a dumb ass, this is VERY true, and actually is occurring in more places than just the town mentioned. In fact, they say that the Silent Hill franchise is based off of one of these towns.
(Nov 30, 2016 02:58 PM)GhostFaceKilla Wrote: I live in Colorado. This is not real. I have been to new castle many times and the locals dont even know what your talking about
It's definitely real. I can understand why the locals don't know much though. New Castle is not a stable area to live for a long time. Only long time locals will know about Burning Mountain.
(Nov 30, 2016 10:01 PM)NoSuchAgency Wrote: Lmao I live next to new castle, and yes it is true, but its burning within the mountain. Its burning all the coal. Just look during the winter wnd you will see spots on the mountain where there is no snow, its because its too hot there, due to the internal fire.
Dec 1, 2016 01:22 PM (This post was last modified: Dec 1, 2016 01:22 PM by Inked ๖ۣۜFeather.)
(Dec 1, 2016 01:19 PM)Mafty Navue Erin Wrote: It's definitely real. I can understand why the locals don't know much though. New Castle is not a stable area to live for a long time. Only long time locals will know about Burning Mountain.
What a small world lol.
But the article states that "The residents see the fire as a historical figure" or whatever- which is pretty funny within itself.
Dec 3, 2016 01:33 PM (This post was last modified: Dec 3, 2016 01:33 PM by lurkinn.)
Centralia in PA is a pretty cool spot to check out. I've been there a few times its for sure a trip worth taking especially if you like taking pictures!
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