Andreiașu Living Fire

<p>The Living Fire at Andreiașu de Jos is one of Romania's strangest natural phenomena. On an odd meadow, full of burnt earth, natural gas flames rise from the ground. They've been burning forever — or at least since records began. Their height varies (10 cm to 70 cm), sometimes they shift a few meters, but they've never gone out. They're there, always, day and night.</p><p>Geologically, it's simple: the Vrancea region has natural gas deposits near the surface, mineral seepage through the soil. Where gas reaches the atmosphere, if it ignites (by a lightning strike thousands of years ago, or a forgotten campfire), the flame stays. It's a geological point. The only similar mention in Europe is a flame in Turkey (Chimera-Yanartaş).</p><p>The site has been protected as a geological reserve since 1973. There's a small fence, signs, an observation platform. Don't get too close — the ground is hot, other cracks may exist. Most spectacular at night or late evening — by day in summer, the fire is barely visible.</p><p>Tip: come in the evening. 50 km away is Focșani (quiet town, Vrancea capital). 30 km away is Soveja (mountain resort). 70 km away — Vrancea Vineyards, Putna, Lepșa Monastery — the whole Vrancea region is good for a weekend (wine, forests, monasteries, geology).</p>