Excerpts from a Daily Herald article:
Recent increases in oil train traffic and high-profile explosions and pollution incidents across the U.S. have put suburban fire departments on high alert.
Firefighters interviewed for this series by the Daily Herald said they regularly train and have mutual aid agreements in place for worst-case scenarios. However, officials warn that even the best preparation can be overwhelmed by events beyond their control.
This is not just a hypothetical concern. In Glen Ellyn, a 1976 derailment involving ammonia led to a large-scale evacuation and 14 injuries. The incident still lingers in the memories of local residents and emergency responders alike.
According to records, hazardous materials are a growing concern for firefighters. A review of 15½ years of hazmat reports revealed 345 incidents in the metropolitan area. Firefighters may face a wide range of dangerous substances daily, including hydrochloric acid, ammonia, xylene, ethanol, and Bakken crude oil—each posing serious health or environmental risks.
Aurora, one of Illinois’ largest cities, has around 195 firefighters, with about 30 trained in hazmat response. Railroads like Union Pacific and BNSF have been actively involved in training first responders. For instance, Union Pacific trained 314 emergency personnel on crude oil safety in 2014, while BNSF trained over 8,600 in a single year.
The Federal Railroad Administration has proposed phasing out older DOT-111 tank cars used for transporting ethanol and crude oil within two years. However, some firefighters argue that the proposal leaves too many loopholes, as it only applies to trains with 20 or more high-hazard flammable cars.
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Chief Krestan expressed concerns about the potential impact of a major accident involving Bakken oil in densely populated areas. “If a train carrying this kind of material were to derail and catch fire, it could have a long-lasting effect on our community,†he said.
The American Association of Railroads claims its members support safer, more modern tank cars. But until those changes are fully implemented, communities remain vulnerable.
Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jim Bodony understands the risks of having hazardous material trains pass through his town. While he accepts the presence of these trains, he’s particularly concerned about those carrying ethanol or crude oil that sit idle on tracks for extended periods.
Historical events back up his fears. On May 16, 1976, a Chicago and North Western Railway (now Union Pacific) train derailed after hitting another freight train near Glen Ellyn. A car carrying ammonia ruptured, injuring 14 people and forcing evacuations. The chemical also contaminated Lake Ellyn, killing fish and polluting the sewer system.
Fire Chief Jim Arie of Barrington believes that timely access to information is critical during a hazmat incident. He argues that current procedures—where a paper manifest is handed over—are outdated. “We need real-time electronic access to what’s on the train,†he said. So far, this hasn’t been widely adopted.
CN’s Waldron mentioned that the railroad can email or fax manifests to first responders during emergencies. Additionally, CN and other railroads have developed mobile apps to provide real-time data on hazardous materials being transported.
BNSF’s Roxanne Butler said the company offers an emergency hotline for firefighters to get essential information quickly.
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