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Roof Fire Stops Trains In Fairfield Tuesday Morning

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Trains were delayed for a half-hour Tuesday, July 29, shortly after 7 a.m. when firefighters were called to the Fairfield Metro-North Railroad station on a report of a fire on the top of a train car.

Trains at the Fairfield train station were delayed for half an hour Tuesday, July 29, because of a fire. Everything was back to normal by midday.

Trains at the Fairfield train station were delayed for half an hour Tuesday, July 29, because of a fire. Everything was back to normal by midday.

Photo Credit: Alissa Smith

When first responders arrived, the train and station were being evacuated, but firefighters were unable to see a fire from the outside, fire officials said.

They were later able to determine that there was a fire on the top of one train car in the high-voltage area that had put itself out after the engineer and conductor lowered the catenary structures before the fire department arrived. 

Firefighters investigated minor smoke conditions inside the train car and used thermal imaging cameras to ensure that the fire was completely out. 

“Emergency responders worked closely with (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) officials to ensure the safety of the passengers and the restoration of commuter service both during and after the fire,” Fairfield Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bisson said. 

Passengers were transferred to a second train, and workers restored rail service as quickly as possible, the fire department said. The affected train was taken out of service by MTA personnel and taken to the Stamford rail station for inspection and repairs.

No injuries to passengers were reported due to the fire or during the evacuation. There was no estimate on the amount of fire damage from Metro-North.

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