Directions to the Red Ash Mine Fire: This was, by far, the most difficult to find of all the places I visited, and I apologize in advance for the poor direction I am about to give you.   I am in Alaska, now--and I don't have a map in front of me.  Take (interstate) 81 north, and take the exit for Wilkes-Barre, interstate 380 BUS.  Head south on this; it will wiggle, there are lots of lights, and it in general sucks.  Eventually, you will see ONE (and only one) sign for Laurel Run.  Almost immediately, turn sharply to the right on a poorly (or non-existently) marked exit ramp.  In the absence of a single sign, turn right.  Follow up the hill, on what I affectionately call "Subsidence Road." The only vent I found was on the right:

   And here are some correct directions.  ( :) ) They were sent to me by Robert Mack.  He lives about 8 miles from the site of the Red Ash Mine Fire.

>PA I-81 Exit 168, Left at Light, Follow to Wilkes-Barre Township Blvd

>(309 BUS) and make a Left, there will be an unmarked exit on the right,

>take that exit, at end of ramp make a left( East Northampton St), Follow

>that for about 7/10 of a mile, on the left will be a slightly hiden sign

>(Laurel Run Est). Follow that and you cant miss the vents.

-But I know there are more.  I didn't have sufficient time to track them down, as I had to get to Centralia to take some very specific time-of-day and weather condition(s) photos.  cf Centralia3.html.

   And here are some really awesome pics of the Red Ash Mine Fire--also sent to me by Robert Mack.

The Beaver Brook Mine Fire: A mine fire has been detected in the boro of Beaver Brook near Hazleton.  The mine fire started when garbage dumped in a stripping pit was set on fire.  This is the same way the infamous Centralia, PA fire started.

I didn't have time to hunt this one down and visit it.  So, I don't have any further information or pictures.  :(

    On to the western side of PA.