[PHOTOS] Underground Coal Fires in India

For almost a century, hellish fires has been burning deep underground in Jharia, India.  

Originating in 1916 as a result of coal mines that were improperly shut down, the fires have burned through more than 41 million tons of coal, worth billions of dollars. According to experts, Jharia has enough coal to burn for another 3,800 years.

Despite the shocking images, underground coal fires are not uncommon. According to Wired.com, a similar fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania has burned for decades, forcing many residents to relocate.

As of today, there are roughly 70 fires currently burning in the Jharia coalfield, the largest coalmine fire complex in the world.

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)

(Source: Wired)