Evacuation orders in place for Railroad Tie Fire near Fernley; residents concerned about toxic smoke
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 09/07/2022 - 5:22pm
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.
Multiple agencies have responded to the fire that is burning 12 miles southeast of Fernley.
“The dry hot days we are experiencing as well as the amount of fuel — railroad ties — that is stacked up in that industrial yard have combined for a very hot and dangerous fire,” said a spokesperson for the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office. “We are asking that if you can avoid the area please do. Additionally, if you see an emergency vehicle running with their emergency lights activated and possibly their siren please: pull over to the right and stop; this is not only courteous and could save a life, but it is the law.”
We will update with new information as it becomes available.
