LACROSSE, Wis. – Fire erupted overnight at a scrap plant’s wood-chipper that was being fed by creosote-soaked and highly flammable old railroad ties. Thirty firefighters from LaCrosse, Onalaska and Campbell township struggled through the night to corral the persistent fire. Flames lit the sky, illuminating ominous plumes of acrid black smoke. Firefighters wore portable breathing gear to avoid toxic fumes. No injuries were reported. The fire was as reported about 1:30 a.m. at Omaha Track on Bainbridge Street. Workers had left for the day hours earlier. There was no night shift. The company accepts old railroad ties by the trainload for recycling.
Persistent fire. Old wooden railroad ties that were soaked decades ago in creosote to resist weathering also resist water and flame retardants and keep on burning. Creosote is a petroleum-based and toxic tar.
Similar 2015 fire
Omaha Track had a major fire in 2015 when a woodchipper also caught fire. People on French Iland were told to shelter in place due to toxins being released into the air. This time, with different winds and breezes, there were fewer concerns about toxic effects.
Omaha Track profile
Omaha Track was founded in 1983 as the Tie Yard of Omaha to repurpose used railroad ties to landscape ties. Since then, the company has expanded into a major supplier of services and recycled products to railroads, rail contractors, and other industries. The company based in Omaha, professes a commitment to environmental friendliness.