World A Cleveland River Once Oozed and Burned. It’s Now a Hot Spot. June 7, 2019June 8, 2019ERIK PIEPENBURGComments Off on A Cleveland River Once Oozed and Burned. It’s Now a Hot Spot. The Cuyahoga River burst into flames for the last time in 1969. As tourism climbs, the city celebrates the river’s rebound 50 years later.