Retired Centralia Postmaster Tom Dempsey was photographed in mid-January with in an empty Centralia, Pa., as steam rises from the ground behind him. The steam is caused by a fire that burns underground. After years of delay, state officials are trying to finish their demolition work in Centralia. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)
Centralia, Pa., coal fire is one of hundreds that burn in the U.S.
The underground coal fire that has slowly consumed Centralia, Pa., isn't unusual. Many such fires burn around the world.
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