Train fire rekindles in Herkimer County

ILION — Multiple fire departments were called out to a train car fire in the area of State Route 5 and the Ilion exit on Sunday — and again on Monday after the fire rekindled itself.

At around 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department received a call that four train cars all carrying construction debris had caught fire. EHVFD Fire Chief Theodore Hilts said there were no hazardous materials involved.

The Schuyler Volunteer Fire Company, the Mohawk Fire Department, the Frankfort Center Fire Department, and the Frankfort Fire Department responded after the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department. Support was received from the Department of Environmental Conservation, CSX, and State Department of Transportation.

Hilts said Monday morning that fire rekindled itself and they were called out again. "At this time, a representative of CSX is in the area monitoring the debris with a plan to take care of it come morning."

As of now, the cause of the fire is undetermined.