Latest Update On Galena Trail Derailment

Galena, Ill., March 6, 2015 – In coordination and consultation among BNSF Railway, Galena Fire Department, Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, and emergency responders, a joint unified command decision has been made to allow a heat-induced tear of a breached tank car to proceed to a “controlled burn.” This strategy is the safest option for public safety and will ensure there is no impact to the waterways in the area from crude oil that has been slowly released from a breached tank car since yesterday.

The breached, burning tank car is being kept cool with the application of water onto the tank car. However, the containment pond for the sprayed water is near its limit and an overflow of the pond creates the potential for contamination of the area waterways.

Fire responders will retreat to a safe distance after water is no longer sprayed on the burning tank car. The cessation of water being sprayed onto the tank will lead to a heat-induced tear of the already-breached tank car, thereby protecting the waterway and burning off the crude oil that is escaping from the tank car.

BNSF will continue air monitoring to ensure communities are protected.