CN launches new firefighting trains

CN has added two new firefighting trains along with two additional rail cars to its fire mitigation and suppression fleet.

With wildfires underway across Canada, the specialized fleet — called the Trident and the Neptune trains — will join CN’s existing firefighting train, the Poseidon.

Together, the three trains will provide support in combating wildfires along rights of way, bringing a water and fire suppression capacity to isolated areas, and helping to secure goods on the railroad's network and surrounding communities, CN officials said in a news release.

"Our priority is to maintain the integrity of the supply chain so that we can continue to serve our customers and power the economy. By deploying these new firefighting rail cars, we're not only reinforcing our commitment to securing the supply chain, but also helping to support the safety and security of our neighbors in communities along our network," said Matthew McClaren, CN's assistant vice president of safety.

CN works with federal, provincial and municipal wildfire management authorities, along with Indigenous communities, to deploy the assets where they can be safely and effectively used in response to wildfires.