Blackfoot firefighters were called late Wednesday night ( Nov. 19 ) after blue flames were seen coming from a coal car on a westbound train, marking the second coal-car fire in the region in as many weeks.
Crews from Blackfoot Fire and Rescue and Director of Protective Services for the County of Vermilion River, Kirk Hughes, were dispatched just after 10 p.m. to the tracks between Range Road 20 and 21. Firefighters located the smouldering seam, exposed it, and extinguished the hot spot.
The range roads were temporarily closed during the response. Officials say there was no risk to the public.
The train was inspected after the extinguishment and deemed safe to continue its trip.
At 12:22 a.m., Blackfoot Fire Chief John McGerrigle advised the scene had been released and the tracks and roads reopened.
Last week, Kitscoty and Blackfoot firefighters handled a similar coal-car fire on the CN line. In both cases, quick work by local crews prevented further spread.
Read more: Early morning train fire west of Lloydminster
