Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Turkmenistan Reduces 'Gateway to Hell' Fire After Five Decades
Imagine a giant hole in the desert called the 'Gateway to Hell.'
It's been on fire since the 1970s!
It started when scientists tried to stop poisonous gas from escaping.
The fire became a tourist attraction.
The government says they've reduced the fire by capturing the gas.
This is important because gas leaks contribute to global warming.
Turkmenistan is a big gas producer, and some reports say it is a large emitter of this gas.
The Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the 'Gateway to Hell,' has been burning for over 50 years.
The fire began after a Soviet drilling mishap in the 1970s.
The crater, located in the Karakum desert, became a tourist attraction.
Turkmenistan has announced a significant reduction of the fire.
Methane capture efforts are underway to reduce the fire.
- Who
- Soviet scientists and the current Turkmenistan government
- What
- Reduction of the fire at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Gateway to Hell'.
- When
- Since the 1970s, with the reduction announced recently.
- Where
- Karakum desert, Turkmenistan
- Why
- To contain poisonous gases (initially); to reduce gas emissions and control the blaze (currently).
Critics
Turkmenistan Authorities
Methane Emissions
Critics
Reports state that Turkmenistan is the world's largest emitter of methane through gas leaks.
Turkmenistan Authorities
Turkmenistan denies being a major emitter.
- Location
- Karakum desert, Turkmenistan
- Crater Name
- Darvaza Gas Crater
- Also Known As
- 'Gateway to Hell' or 'Door To Hell'
- Ignition Year
- 1971
- Fire's Origin
- Soviet drilling mishap
- Initial Purpose
- Contain poisonous gases
- Current Status
- Fire significantly reduced
- State-owned energy company
- Turkmengaz
