April, Monday 3rd., 2023
“Beer and Butane” Follow Up on Derailed Freight Train Near Quinn’s Hot Springs
Date:
Below you will learn the following about “Beer, Butane” and more. No one was injured during the accident involving the freight train with derailed cars on Highway 135 near Quinn’s hot springs earlier on Sunday, April 2nd.
“Quinn’s Train Derailment – THERE IS NO CURRENT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND NO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BEING RELEASED.
At 0931 we were paged for a train derailment across the river from Quinn’s Hot Springs on Hwy 135. We responded with 6 apparatus and 13 Firefighters. St Regis Fire sent an engine and Plains Community Ambulance responded.
Through the coordinated effort with our resources and Montana Rail Link, we were able to identify the products involved and that there were no hazardous materials posing an imminent threat to public safety. Guests at the waterfront cabins were evacuated as a precaution.
The local MRL folks were on scene and on the tracks quickly assessing damage to the cars involved and any potential environmental concerns. The railcars that reached the river were empty or carrying Coors Light and Blue Moon. (This is not floating down the river and is secured in the derailment area)
After the initial assessment by MRL, our rescue boat was utilized to transport Chief Russell and MRL across the river for a thorough assessment and air monitoring. The single railcar of concern was carrying butane. It was partially off the tracks but not leaking. Visual inspection and utilizing a gas meter did not detect any leaks.
We kept units on scene throughout the day to monitor and support. We coordinated closely with Quinn’s to limit impact on their business while providing appropriate safety mitigation.
Over the following days and weeks we will be working with MRL while they clean up and rebuild the track. If there is ever a new threat to public safety we will be on scene and coordinating directly with the incident staff and Quinn’s Hot Springs.
We would like to thank Plains Community Ambulance, St Regis Fire, Montana Highway Patrol, USFS Law Enforcement, Sanders County Dispatch and Office of Emergency Management, The Staff at Quinn’s Hot Springs, and Montana Rail Link. The community worked together today.”
The information above was shared via the Plains/Paradise Rural Fire District- click here.