The Living Fires in Lopatari Comon, Buzau County, represent a very interesting phenomenon with a certain reputation in the region. Believers come here to bow to these fires as if to a miracle icon in hopes their most ardent wishes will find an answer.
Shedding the light of… science to the whole matter, the phenomenon is as simple as it is rare. The gas releases existing in the area catch fire when reaching the surface due to the friction with different surfaces of the ground they cross, thus resulting in surface fires.
We have just mentioned how rare this phenomenon happens. Actually, Romania is the only place in Europe where you can find the living fire. Turkey, Australia, Asia and the America are the other places where you may find this.
Where the Living Fires Are
The reservations in Buzau and Vrancea attract thousands of visitors annually, all eager to see the phenomenon. Lopatari is located north-west of Buzau County, on the Slanic Valley, some 56 km away from Buzau city.
Occasionally, the Living Fires in Lopatari reach 20 cm in height and represent one of the most fascinating tourist attractions of the country. The colour of the fire is blueish and the flames seem to be fueled by a large quantity of gas, since they have been burning for ages, giving birth to countless tales and legends.
The area where the living fire can be found is extremely bizarre, having a complex, almost extraterrestrial aspect, and being bare of any trace of green vegetation. The only plant that grows here is called garduraita and has a white shade.
INterestingly enough, near this region you may admire another fascinating phenomenon, unique in Europe: the Mud Volcanoes – caused most probably by the accumulation of natural gas in the underground.