Press Release  Public’s Help Sought in Westfield Train Car Fire

WESTFIELD — Westfield Fire Chief Patrick M. Egloff, Westfield Police Chief Lawrence P. Valliere, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a suspicious fire on a railroad freight car last night.

“We are asking anyone with information on last night’s fire to contact Westfield Police detectives at 413-572-6400,” said Chief Valliere. “Anyone who observed people or vehicles near the train tracks north of Notre Dame Street yesterday evening may have information that could help us.”

“Railway fires come with a unique set of hazards to firefighters and the public, and this was a very challenging fire for us to knock down,” said Chief Egloff. “We had to cut our way into the freight car to fully extinguish it.”

“Every fire is dangerous,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “We’re very fortunate that no one was injured last night, but if that fire had spread we could have seen a serious risk to the community. If you have any information on how it started, please share it with investigators.”

The Westfield Fire Department responded to the area behind 181 Notre Dame St. just after 6:45 pm for a report of a fire in a railroad car. On arrival, they observed a freight car with its doors open and heavy fire showing within. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to that car but the contents were destroyed

In addition to fire damage, signs of forced entry and further property damage were identified at the scene. The incident remains under investigation by the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Police Department, and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

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