The Red Ash Mine Fire: The fire started on the property of the Red Ash Coal Company in the town of Laurel Run, Pennsylvania.  It was discovered some time around 1915.  Measures where taken to put the fire out, and it was thought to be extinguished until 1922--when it was found that the fire had spread to underground coal seams.  In the '60's many buildings had to be abandoned because of the fire.

      This fire was, by far, the most difficult to find. At first, (after an "adventure" of getting stuck in front of the fire hall---and getting pulled out by a backhoe :P ;) ) all I found was the vent I already had some pictures of:

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      Then with some help from a guy at the local pizza joint (I couldn't BELIEVE they had Guinness!!  ( :) :) :) :) )), we were able to find quite a few more.

      The heck of the thing was, had I taken the time to do my homework---and read the direction from my own web page:

>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.

      (Special thanks to Robert Mack :) Thanks, Robert! :) )

       . . . I wouldn't've had any problem.  -Live and learn.  :) ( ;) )

      Some vents, facing north:

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      Some more vents, right across the street:

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      A vent, immediately behind the above [ones]:

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      A vent, immediately behind the above [ones]:

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      One off to the right [from the one immediately above]:

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      I find it interesting, that--even though temperature only a few inches beneath the surface can surpass 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit--there is snow, just a few inches to either side of the vent. . . .

      There were vents everywhere.  Here is one a little off to the north-west.  (Notice the scorched grass.)

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      A final row of vents, a little further up (north) the road, on the east side [of the road].

   (For the high resolution original, click here.)

      I felt no small sense of satisfaction after finding these [vents]---after a few years of searching for them.

      "I love it when a plan comes together."

      :) :)