Wildfire threatens freight train near Armstrong, Ontario

A wildfire in western Ontario spread to the vicinity of railway tracks near the community of Armstrong on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of crews on three Canadian National Railway freight trains carrying flammable cargo.

Video posted by Ontario legislator Sol Mamakwa showed bright orange flames licking the side of a stranded locomotive, with a crew member warning that the fire could overtake the train.

Canadian National confirmed that the trains were halted and that personnel were moved to safety as the blaze continued to burn alongside the track, turning the sky orange.

Authorities noted that the fire was generating smoke plumes that could affect air quality in the Great Lakes region and parts of the northeastern United States.