Firefighters Respond To Rail Car Fire In Eugene (Photo) -10/14/24

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a rail car fire at the Eugene rail yard Sunday evening.  Firefighters were dispatched to the fire at 5:48 PM on October 13th.  Initial callers reported a large fire in the rail yard near the intersection of Hwy 99 and Roosevelt Blvd.  Due to the high risk nature of rail fires, ESF sends a full first alarm fire and hazardous materials response consisting of 4 engines, 2 trucks, 2 chiefs, the on duty Haz-Mat crew and a medic.  

Arriving firefighters found a rail car carrying treated power poles heavily involved in fire.  The large volume of fire was threatening a low pressure rail car carrying denatured alcohol which posed a risk due to its flammable/explosive potential.  Fire crews quickly attacked the fire with hand lines, a ground monitor and aerial mater steams to reduce the risk.  The fire was contained to the rail car and poles involved with limited damage to the tank car.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.