London Railway Tie Fire Emits Toxic Smoke

On a recent Monday, a significant fire erupted on Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) tracks in London, sending thick black smoke into the air. Firefighters were dispatched promptly and worked to contain the blaze using water and flame-retardant foam. Although the fire was brought under control within an hour, concerns were raised about potential health impacts on nearby residents due to the smoke emanating from the burning railway ties.

Deputy Chief Gary Bridge advised residents to stay indoors and close their windows, noting that the burning ties likely released harmful chemicals. The specific preservative coating the ties was not immediately identified, though it was described as an oily substance. CPKC provided a link to an information sheet regarding tie usage but did not confirm if creosote, a common wood preservative, was used.

Medical experts suggest that while short-term exposure to such smoke is unhealthy and should be avoided, the long-term health effects for residents are uncertain. Research on creosote primarily focuses on occupational or long-term exposure, making the impact of a few hours of smoke inhalation difficult to ascertain. Environment Canada notes that creosote, a petroleum-based chemical mixture, can have various health effects, including potential carcinogenicity with prolonged exposure.

This incident is not unprecedented; previous railway tie fires have occurred in the region. In 2024, a similar fire in St. Thomas exposed firefighters to creosote, and another CPKC train carrying burning ties passed through London that same year. These past events highlight ongoing concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of railway tie fires.