Excerpts from a recent article in the Daily Herald:
A sharp rise in oil train traffic and several high-profile explosions and pollution incidents across the U.S. have put suburban fire departments on high alert.
Firefighters interviewed for this series said they are constantly training and have mutual aid agreements in place for major emergencies. However, officials warn that no amount of preparation can fully protect against unpredictable events beyond their control.
This isn’t just a hypothetical concern. In Glen Ellyn, a 1976 derailment spilled ammonia, leading to a large-scale evacuation and 14 injuries. The incident still haunts local residents and emergency responders today.
Firefighters aren’t only dealing with fuel anymore. A review of 15½ years of hazardous material reports shows over 345 incidents involving trains in the metropolitan area. These include dangerous chemicals like hydrochloric acid, ammonia, xylene, ethanol, and Bakken crude oil — all of which pose serious health and environmental risks if released.
Aurora, one of Illinois’ largest cities, has around 195 firefighters, with about 30 trained hazmat specialists on staff.
Union Pacific trains more than 2,500 first-responders annually on how to handle derailments. In 2014 alone, the railroad trained 314 emergency workers on crude oil safety.
BNSF has also been active in training. This year alone, they trained 8,619 first-responders. Their representatives say they offer hands-on sessions at any fire department along their tracks.
The Federal Railroad Administration is pushing to phase out older DOT-111 tank cars used for transporting ethanol and crude oil within two years. But some firefighters argue the policy is too limited, only applying to trains with 20 or more high-hazard flammable cars.
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Chief Krestan expressed concerns about a potential Bakken oil spill in a densely populated area. “If we had an accident and a few containers caught fire, it would have a long-term impact on our community,†he said.
The American Association of Railroads supports the development of stronger, more modern tank cars, but many believe action is needed faster.
Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jim Bodony is worried about trains carrying flammable materials idling for long periods near residential areas. He knows the risk well — after a 1976 derailment, a train carrying ammonia spilled into the town, polluting Lake Ellyn and forcing evacuations.
Fire Chief Jim Arie from Barrington believes real-time access to chemical information is essential during an emergency. Current policies rely on paper manifests, which he says are outdated. “We need immediate electronic access to what’s on the train,†he said. So far, that hasn’t happened.
CN’s Waldron mentioned that rail police can email or fax train manifests to emergency crews during an incident. They also offer a mobile app that gives real-time data on hazardous material trains.
BNSF’s Butler said firefighters can call a dedicated number to get critical information quickly during an emergency.
Thanks, Dan
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