How are these fires burning underground?

272,905 plays|

Emma Bryce |

TED-Ed

• December 2024

In 1997, a fire began in Indonesia that would rage for almost a year. Despite being one of the largest fires in recorded history, for months at a time it burned without a flame. This might sound like a uniquely freaky fire, but it’s actually one of many. So, is it possible to snuff out these bizarre blazes? And how do they form in the first place? Emma Bryce explores the phenomenon of peat fires. [Directed by Ivana Volda, narrated by Christina Greer, music by Stephen LaRosa].