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The Living Fire from Andreiașu de Jos, Vrancea

Free heating on two cold winter days

Location. Access.

The most natural and easy access to The Living Fire of Andreiasu de Jos (VN) it is done from Focsani following the DN2M the 38 km in less than an hour. In February 2021 I found this sector of the road in a much better condition, even good I would say, anyway much better than my previous visit in the area. It is worth mentioning that after Andreiasu de Jos to Nereju Mic, this national road has no asphalt carpet and is difficult to travel by car.

From the road there are two access ways. One is on an uphill path that starts about halfway up the hill on which the road climbs from Andreaiasu de Jos to the one above. The second path is the one recommended by me. It is shorter and starts from a bend in the same road situated at the top of the hill, below the edge of the forest. This variant follows a level curve and meets halfway with the first one. From the road to the objective, walk for 5 minutes on the short route and 10 minutes on the long one, at walking pace. Possibly muddy on option 2.

I will now tell you about The Living Fire of Andreiasu de Jos (VN). This tourist objective is classified as monument of nature. The reserve to which it belongs covers 12 hectares and is situated at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. In Romania we have 3 distinct places where it can be admired Living Fire. Two are in the perimeter of Lopatari, Terca in Buzau county, and another at Andreiasu de Jos in Vrancea county. Between them there are two access roads. A short but hardly accessible 61 km - 3 hours and another longer 126 km also 3 hours, partially more easily accessible.

What is the Living Fire?

It is a fire that burns uncontrollably and never goes out. The phenomenon is explained by natural gas fumes that spontaneously ignite on contact with air.

Around the fires there are also benches and a gazebo, where tourists can rest, have a snack from their own ranita or from where they can admire the view to the Milcov Valley located about 200 meters below the national road.

In the darkness at the Living Fire

There are several fire hydrants burning here and they are surrounded by a circular belt of concrete stone. In February, in cold weather with temperatures around 0 degrees, I saw fewer fires than on my previous visit, namely 2 large active ones that raise their flames up to half a meter, a few dozen small flames at ground level and several places with small, partially frozen, bubbling puddles, where after the snow melts and the place in the vent area dries out, they will probably ignite as well. The flames give off enough heat to warm you up well near them, like a campfire. You'll get burned if you play with fire!

The Living Fire from Andreiașu de Jos

around the fire

food burned on the fire?

off-gassing

kettles

natural flames

Recommendation

I recommend both after dark and during the day. I believe there were tourists who came to fry eggs for free here at The Living Fire from Andreiașu de Jos. It is said that when seismic activity intensifies, the flames increase in height. That's what I read online. I recommend a trip to the Living Fire at Andreiasu de Jos!

And if you are in the area and want to visit again, stop by Putnei Waterfall or visit Focșani municipality.

Steps:

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