World's widest burning gas crater is finally starting to die out

The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Door to Hell," is a massive natural gas fire in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert that has been burning continuously since 1971. It originated when Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into an underground gas pocket and ignited it intentionally to prevent the release of toxic gases. Expected to burn out within weeks, the crater's flames have persisted for over 54 years, consuming millions of cubic meters of natural gas annually. The crater measures approximately 230 feet wide and 100 feet deep, with temperatures exceeding 1,832°F (1,000°C), and has become a notable tourist attraction drawing over 10,000 visitors each year. Recent reports from Turkmengaz, Turkmenistan’s state gas company, indicate that the crater's flames have significantly weakened as most of the flammable gas has been depleted. At a scientific conference in Ashgabat in June 2025, researchers revealed that the fire’s intensity has dropped to about a third of its original size, with flames now only visible up close rather than from miles away. Efforts to contain methane emissions by drilling wells around the site have contributed to this decline. This development may finally address long-standing concerns about the loss of valuable natural gas and environmental impacts, marking a potential end to one of the world's longest-burning gas fires.