Canadian National Railway crew safely escape a freight train encased in flames during a wildfire near Armstrong, Ontario.
A Canadian National Railway crew successfully escaped a freight train that was surrounded by intense flames during a wildfire near Armstrong, Ontario, on July 13. The train had stopped at a meeting point to allow another train to pass when a wall of orange fire suddenly enveloped the cab. The crew captured the dramatic scene on a cellphone, showing flames whipping against the windows as they communicated via radio for help. Canadian National Railway confirmed the footage is authentic and stated that every worker in the cab made it out safely. The company temporarily suspended rail operations in the area and evacuated both employees and local residents. The wildfire, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, has also caused a plume of smoke to spread across the Northeast and Great Lakes, significantly reducing air quality. While the train was eventually allowed to proceed, the incident highlights the unpredictable nature of the current wildfire season in northern Ontario.