UPDATE 10:18 PM: Churchill County officials have asked that all residences within a half mile of the fire evacuate, and for all other residents to remain indoors.
The smoke plume from the fire is currently moving east towards the north of Fallon.
Many nearby residents have raised concerns regarding the toxicity of the smoke. Railroad ties are generally treated with chemical carcinogens, such as creosote and chromated copper arsenate, both of which carry potential toxic affects for humans and animals.
The fire is expected to continue burning through the night and potentially into tomorrow.
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UPDATE 7:45PM: North Lyon County Fire stated there are fixed wing aircraft dropping retardant on the perimeter to help keep the fire from spreading or damaging the train tracks.
Highway 50 is closed near the flames, and responders are asking the public to keep away from the incident site until further notice.
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Just after 4 p.m., Wednesday the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls stating that large stacks of railroad ties in the community of Hazen were on fire.