Train Crew Trapped by Wildfire in Ontario: Video Shows Close Call
A dramatic video recorded by a train crew in northern Ontario shows their locomotive surrounded by wildfire flames, a scene that underscores the perilous conditions gripping parts of Canada this week. The footage, posted by Ontario lawmaker Sol Mamakwa, depicts the crew inside the engine as fire rages just feet from the windows, turning the surrounding landscape an intense orange.
In the video, one crew member can be heard calmly noting the danger: "This could potentially overtake us here, this has gotten a little scary." Another voice adds, "Y'all need to hurry up here. Like, seriously, we're encased in flames now." The crew's apparent nonchalance contrasts with the severity of the situation, as flames nearly lick the glass of the locomotive.
The incident occurred near Armstrong, Ontario, according to Mamakwa, who shared the video. The Canadian National Railway Company (CN) confirmed that the train was stopped in Armstrong and that all employees in the area were evacuated overnight Monday. The crew members in the video reportedly made it out safely.
The circumstances that led to the train being stopped remain unclear. The video suggests the crew was waiting for another train to pass on a single track, a common practice in rail operations. However, a thread on the r/railroading subreddit offers a more dramatic account, claiming the engineers collided with train cars they had left behind after rescuing a foreman, causing the engines to shut down. The thread alleges the crew then attempted to escape in a hi-rail vehicle, which caught fire, forcing them to flee on foot. This account could not be independently verified.
The wildfire situation in Canada has been severe, with at least 54 fires active, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. This year, wildfires have burned approximately 4.7 million acres of land. The blazes have forced dozens of communities to evacuate, including several First Nations communities.
The impact has extended far beyond the immediate fire zones. Toronto, the country's largest city, has experienced hazardous air quality due to wildfire smoke, with skies turning orange and pollution levels reaching some of the worst in the world. The smoke has drifted downwind, affecting millions of residents.
Rail Operations Amid Fire Risk
The video highlights the challenges faced by rail crews operating in wildfire-prone areas. CN's confirmation of the evacuation underscores the company's response to the emergency. The crew's ordeal, captured on video, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the risks to essential workers.
Despite the harrowing conditions, the crew found a moment of levity when the other train emerged through the flames. "Woo! That's a meet and a half, eh?" one crew member exclaimed, a reference to the rail term for two trains passing each other.
The incident near Armstrong is one of many challenges posed by this year's wildfire season, which has strained resources and prompted widespread evacuations. As authorities continue to battle the blazes, the safety of residents and workers remains a priority.
