Why is the Darvaza Сrater Still Burning? 

The Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan has been burning for 54 years. This famous landmark, better known as the "Door to Hell", is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, consuming millions of cubic meters of gas every year. The country's government has repeatedly expressed the need to stop this loss of a valuable natural resource and extinguish the crater.

So why is the Darvaza Crater still burning? Here are some of the main reasons:

Extinguishing the “Door to Hell” is technically challenging.

There are several methods for putting out gas craters, including flooding with water, covering with soil, concreting, or using an explosion. However, none of these approaches would achieve the desired result for the Darvaza Gas Crater. If water were poured into the crater, it would quickly evaporate in the hot desert climate, and the gas would continue to escape from the ground as methane, which is even more hazardous to the environment. Additionally, any small spark could reignite the flames.

If the crater were covered with soil or concreted after extinguishing the fire, the trapped gas would accumulate, eventually leading to an inevitable explosion. This could either block the gas release or, conversely, intensify it, further worsening the problem.

A controlled explosion, including a nuclear detonation, would not be a viable solution either. Such methods are typically used for high-powered single gas flows, as was the case when extinguishing the Urta-Bulak gas column in Uzbekistan (1963–1966). At that time, the 100-meter-high burning gas flare consumed over 10 million cubic meters of gas per day - comparable to or even exceeding the annual gas combustion at Darvaza. The situation at Urta-Bulak caused both economic losses and severe environmental damage, making its extinction necessary. However, the circumstances at Darvaza are different - currently, the crater remains stable and does not pose a significant danger, while an explosion could lead to unpredictable consequences.

Extinguishing the Darvaza Gas Crater is not economically justified.

Since the gas flow in the Darvaza Crater is relatively low, the losses, while notable, do not warrant the extensive costs and efforts required to extinguish it.

The crater has gained worldwide fame.

Over the years, it has become an iconic landmark of Turkmenistan. The mystical "Door to Hell" attracts up to 10,000 visitors annually. Tourists come not only to admire the hundreds of flames burning inside the Darvaza Gas Crater and capture stunning photos but also to experience the silence and tranquility of the surrounding Turkmen desert, which stretches for at least 90 kilometers around the site. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to explore the country's rich culture and traditions.

New Crater Extinguishing Project

In 2023, Turkmenistan developed an innovative project aimed at extinguishing the Darvaza Crater. The plan involves drilling a well near the crater to extract methane, thereby minimizing or completely stopping the flow of gas to Darvaza. It is expected that once the gas supply is cut off, the "Door to Hell" will stop burning without the need for any major additional interventions.

However, a final decision on extinguishing the Darvaza Crater has not yet been made. The project is still under review, with experts assessing all potential risks and consequences. Meanwhile, both within the country and internationally, debates continue - not only about when the crater will be extinguished but also about whether it should be extinguished at all, given its status as a famous national landmark.

Is the Darvaza Gas Crater Dangerous?

Many proponents of extinguishing the crater argue that it poses a potential danger. But is this really the case? Let’s examine some of the most common concerns.

Has anyone ever fallen into the Darvaza Gas Crater? No.

According to official records, no tourist has ever fallen into the crater. Moreover, an accidental fall is highly unlikely, as the site is fenced off to ensure visitors remain at a safe distance.

The only person known to have been inside the crater is Canadian explorer George Kourounis. In 2013, with funding from National Geographic, he descended into the crater wearing a protective suit to collect soil samples from the bottom. His descent was meticulously planned, and after spending exactly 17 minutes inside, he safely exited.

Number of deaths at the Darvaza Gas Crater: 0.

Since its formation, the crater has not been responsible for any fatalities. Even during the 1971 collapse, when all the equipment fell into the crater, no human casualties were reported.

Are snakes and insects near the crater dangerous? Yes.

Tourist visits to the crater peak in spring and fall, coinciding with increased activity of snakes and insects in the desert. As a result, the risk of being bitten by a scorpion or spider is relatively high. Visitors should exercise caution, follow all instructions from guides or accompanying personnel, and consider obtaining specialized medical insurance as a precaution.