Nothing can last forever – including a fire. Eventually, the fuel source will be exhausted and the heat will radiate away. Even so, the truth about the world’s longest burning fires is so strange that it’s almost unbelievable.
Under the right conditions, fires can burn throughout entire ages of history. In fact, there are fires burning today that started before humans domesticated the horse, and others have been tended to for generations without being extinguished.
Eternal flames fall into two categories: human-made fires, tended to and replenished for ceremonial purposes, and naturally replenished eternal flames.
Natural eternal flames can be caused by static electrical discharge or accidental human activity, but the longest burning fires in the world are typically a result of natural gas leaks or underground coal seams.
The oldest known natural eternal flame is at Mount Wingen, Australia – otherwise known as the Burning Mountain. The fire began in a coal seam, some 6,000 years ago. Today, the fire continues to burn 100 feet underground, slowly depleting the coal seam.
Another ancient fire burns in Turkey, at the site of what is believed to be Mount Chimaera – referred to as the origin of the mythical fire-breathing creature. The Fires of Chimaera have burned for over 2,500 years, fuelled by escaping methane gas and were once used as navigation beacons.
In the United States, the Centralia mine fire in Pennsylvania has been burning since 1962 and could continue for over 250 years. Similarly, the Smoking Hills in Canada have natural fires fuelled by lignite that have burned for centuries.
Humans have long sought to control the power of fire. Since ancient times, it has been one of our most powerful tools – and one of our deadliest foes.
Controlling something so powerful would naturally lead to some kind of spiritual connection. In fact, fire is symbolic in most religions and cultures around the world.
This is notably demonstrated in the Zoroastrian tradition of maintaining eternal flames. The Behram Fire at the Yazd Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Iran is thought to be the oldest human-made eternal flame, at more than 1,500 years old. It has been burning since 470 AD and can only be witnessed by practicing Zoroastrians, who’ve tended to it over countless generations.
In Baku, Azerbaijan, natural gas leaks have fuelled a fire that has burned for centuries at the Ateshgah Temple, a significant site for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. Various Buddhist temples around Asia also maintain eternal flames, symbolizing the Buddha’s eternal wisdom and light.
In today’s world, managing and controlling fire is more critical than ever. Fires can be devastating, but with modern technology, we have developed advanced methods to protect lives and property. One such innovative solution is the fire curtain.
Fire curtains are a form of active fire protection. They are barriers that deploy in the event of a fire to compartmentalize a building and prevent the spread of flames and smoke. These curtains are essential in providing safe evacuation routes and limiting property damage.
At Coopers Fire, we are pioneers in the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of fire curtains. Our fire curtains are rigorously tested and certified to meet international safety standards. They are discreet, can be integrated into any building design, and are highly effective in controlling the spread of fire.
Incorporating fire curtains into modern building designs enhances fire safety without compromising aesthetic appeal. They are ideal for various applications, including shopping malls, hospitals, offices, and residential buildings.
By investing in Coopers Fire curtains, you are not only protecting your property but also ensuring the safety of occupants. Our products are designed to provide maximum protection while remaining unobtrusive until needed.
Saving lives from fire and smoke is our mission at Coopers Fire. We pioneered the design and manufacture of fire barrier curtains – and have passed our knowledge down. Today, our expertise has made us a world leader in fire safety.
For more information on our non-intrusive fire and smoke protection or our educational training courses, call us at 02392 454 405 or email info@coopersfire.com. Visit our website www.coopersfire.com to learn more about our products and services.
By integrating cutting-edge fire safety technology with a deep understanding of fire behaviour, we help create safer environments. Trust Coopers Fire for all your fire protection needs.
