reply to post by tigpoppa
What is going on is that the state bought out the town because the coal seam underneath it is on fire and has been since 1962. Check the websites.
There is monitoring equipment throughout. Stay away from any mine portals in the area because this type of fire will produce large amounts of carbon
monoxide and sulfur dioxide and your breathing apparatus might not be suitable.
As to surveying and walking around, be careful. Check it out at night with an IR camera to map hot spots. Walking over one and having it collapse
under you would make you into something like a self-basting turkey. Not at all fun, but the adventure of a lifetime.


