Palisade Train Fire

Antonio Archuleta Photo ©

At 21:38 on May 3rd, 2023 the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center dispatched the Palisade Fire Department to the area of Front Street directly across from the Palisade Cemetery westbound train that was reportedly on fire. Multiple callers reported active flames coming from one of the train’s cars. Union Pacific initially advised that a response was not needed and that it occurs regularly. Due to the multiple calls, Engine 41 continued into the scene to investigate and arrived on scene of a single hopper car with significant fire coming from inside and requested mutual-aid for water supply with the nearest hydrant being an extended lay. The train engineer reported the car was full of railroad ties and a plan was established for attack. Truck 21 arrived and setup for an aerial master stream to knockdown the fire due to access issues. Girardi’s Towing heavy wrecker was called in to pull the railcar onto its side and dump all the contents for further extinguishment. No injuries were reported and crews called available throughout the night until approximately 05:00.

Units On Scene:

Palisade: Chief 41, Engine 41, Ambulance 41 & Tender 41

Clifton Fire Protection District: Truck 21, Brush 21 & Ambulance 22

Grand Junction Fire Department: Engine 5 & Tender 5

Mesa County Fire Authority: Tender 51

East Orchard Mesa Fire Protection District: Tender 61

Mesa County Sheriff & Palisade Police Department

Antonio Archuleta Photo ©

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Palisade Train Car Fire

Palisade Train Fire