CN Suspends Armstrong Rail Operations After Crew Escapes Wildfire Flames, Evacuating 250-Resident Town
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Jul 15
CN Suspends Armstrong Rail Operations After Crew Escapes Wildfire Flames, Evacuating 250-Resident Town
3 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Jul 15
Summary
CN said the crew filmed inside a cab surrounded by flames near Armstrong on July 13 all escaped safely, after the train stopped at a meeting point while wildfires burned around it.
Rail operations in the area were temporarily suspended and CN employees, along with Armstrong residents, were evacuated Monday night as wildfire conditions worsened.
OPP said three trains carrying combustible and flammable materials were left staged near Collins First Nation, with responders and railway officials assessing risks despite no immediate public threat.
Sol Mamakwa, an Ontario NDP MPP, called for accountability over the incident and urged CN to support workers rather than punish the crew member who posted the viral video.
Nearly 150 wildfires are burning across northwestern Ontario, with mandatory evacuations in at least six communities and a regional fire ban in place.