Investigators seek public’s help after suspicious Westfield train car fire
Fire officials are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a suspicious fire on a railroad freight car in Westfield on Tuesday night.
Westfield firefighters responded to the area behind 181 Notre Dame St. just after 6:45 p.m. for a report of a fire in a railroad car.
When crews arrived, they found 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, investigators found signs of forced entry and further property damage at the scene.
“We are asking anyone with information on last night’s fire to contact Westfield Police detectives at 413-572-6400,” Westfield Police Chief Lawrence Valliere said in a statement on Wednesday. “Anyone who observed people or vehicles near the train tracks north of Notre Dame Street yesterday evening may have information that could help us.”
Westfield Fire Chief Patrick Egloff said “railway fires come with a unique set of hazards to firefighters and the public.”
“This was a very challenging fire for us to knock down,” said Egloff. “We had to cut our way into the freight car to fully extinguish it.”
State Fire Marshal Davine appealed to citizens to come forward with information.
“Every fire is dangerous,” said 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 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.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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