MONSON, MA - On September 7th, the Monson FD was toned for a train fire on Stafford Road, in the area of Monson Sand and Gravel.

Upon arrival, 14 Chief 1 reported that the train was inaccessible to fire crews. An additional locomotive was brought in to push the train approximately 2.5 miles to the nearest rail crossing. Crews found smoke coming from the engineer compartment on a locomotive and were advised not to initially use water due to the potential of it still being electrically charged.

The locomotive was separated from the rest of the train and crews attempted to knock the fire down using 20lb. dry chem extinguishers until the electrical threat was mitigated, at which time tactics were changed and hand lines were deployed. Hidden pockets of fire made extinguishment difficult. There were several re-ignitions due to the amount of heat retained and put off by the metal in the locomotive. Mutual Aid was provided by the Stafford FD.