Sparks from passing train suspected in brush fires
CENTER TWP — Nine fire departments responded to a brush fire along the railroad tracks near Pinehurst Road on Monday afternoon.
West Sunbury volunteer firefighter Frank McCall said at the scene that he suspects a passing train sparked multiple brush fires spread between a 1-mile to 2-mile stretch. No one was injured.
The fire was called in at 2:19 p.m. by McCall on his way back to the station after responding to another brush-fire call.
McCall said the fire in nearby brush in the heavily wooded area spread along the route of the tracks. The railroad was closed down while the firefighters were at the scene, so they could get vehicles and brush trucks to the different flares, McCall said.
Crews had the fire contained around 4 p.m., although reports of hot spots at the scene could be heard through the emergency dispatch radio later that afternoon.
The railroad tracks were ready to be reopened around 5:15 p.m., according to the 911 communications center.
Alongside West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Company, firefighters from Oneida Valley, Unionville, Harrisville, Lick Hill, Prospect, Herman, Chicora and Marion Township, and Butler Ambulance responded to the scene.
