Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell” or “Gate of Hell,” has been burning in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert since 1971 when Soviet geologists ignited it to burn off leaking methane. For more than 50 years, the crater’s fire burning at around 1,000 °C was a strange and impressive sight that could be seen from far away. It attracted curious tourists and scientists. 

Now, during the recent environmental conference, which took place on June 5, 2025, in Ashgabat, Turkmengaz confirmed that the fire in the crater is getting a lot smaller. It’s now only about a third as big as before and is hard to see up close. This is because the gas underground is running out, and the government is also working to collect the gas instead of letting it burn. As the fire fades, it marks the end of a famous burning site and a move toward taking better care of the land.