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7/13/2021
A Union Pacific Railroad firefighting crew with water tank cars from the Class I's fleet helped fight a lava fire in Northern California in late June, according to an article on UP's website.
UP operates a fleet of about 50 water tank cars known as the fire-car fleet. The former tank cars were converted into water pump cars and can hold 7,000 to 23,000 gallons of water. They feature nozzles that can spray water more than 75 feet.
According to the article, the fire crew managed to save an estimated 20 miles of railroad infrastructure. After getting the fire under control beginning June 29, UP crews began repairing the bridge and the 9 miles of track damaged in the blaze.
Up to 30 UP workers a day manned five to six water tank trains, working along a 90-mile stretch of track. About 30 miles of the 90-mile track span was endangered by three separate fires in the National Forest.
The crew doused spot fires and kept UP's right of way, structures and tracks soaked with water.