Area firefighters assist at train derailment

CCM Staff Report

Four area fire departments are providing equipment to assist with a train derailment and fire in East Palestine.

Carrollton Village, Fox Twp. Great Trail and Mohawk Valley fire departments are providing fire-fighting equipment at the scene. Fox Township Fire Chief Fred Barnett said his department sent a tanker and two men Monday morning. Carrollton Chief Shane Thomas said his department sent Engine 12 and Tanker 8. Great Trail provided a tanker and two firefighters. 

The derailment occurred about 9 p.m. Feb. 3. The train was hauling train cars loaded with vinyl chloride, an odorless, colorless gas that burns easily. Residents within a one-mile area were evacuated from their homes.

Carroll County EMA Director Tom Cottis said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a state of emergency which activated the Ohio Fire Chiefs Emergency Response Plan.

He said the administrator for that group put out a list of needed apparatus and departments responded with what they have available. 

Chief Thomas said late Monday morning, the local departments were in place and waiting for their assigned position.