SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, LAWLER CALL ON FRA TO INVESTIGATE LAST WEEK’S DANGEROUS BRUSH FIRES ALONG CSX TRAIN TRACKS IN ROCKLAND COUNTY

After Large, Multiple Fires Ripped Through Rockland Forcing The Evacuation Of Dozens Of Homes And Businesses, Reps Want Feds To Investigate Incident Along The CSX Rail Tracks

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Mike Lawler today called on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation into the multiple, dangerous brush fires that occurred along the CSX train tracks in Rockland County, New York, last Friday. In their recent letter addressed to FRA Administrator Amit Bose, the representatives expressed their deep concerns surrounding the incident that forced the evacuation of dozens of homes and businesses and caused thousands of dollars in damage to property from Tomkins Cove, to Haverstraw, to Congers.

“The terrifying brush fires that tore through Rockland County last week – which forced dozens of scared residents to evacuate their homes and businesses and caused thousands of dollars in damage – has set off safety alarm bells along the CSX tracks,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I am calling on the FRA to investigate this incident to quickly address this vital safety issue and the CSX response and determine actions to prevent incidents like this in the future. CSX needs to be transparent, expedient and collaborative, and I won’t stop fighting to make sure this problem doesn’t go off the rails any further.”

“As we have learned from recent events, we must be diligent about railway maintenance to stop tragedies that can be caused by faulty equipment and insufficient safety features,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The brush fires that occurred near the CSX train tracks in Rockland County had the potential to cause serious injuries and death, and it did cause substantial economic damage in our communities. I thank the brave firefighters and first responders who acted quickly and kept the recent brush fire under control, saving the lives of innocent New Yorkers. I urge the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to stop preventable tragedies.”

“It is simply beyond comprehension that CSX would not report the brush fire that occurred in Rockland County to the proper authorities, especially when it put many Rockland County residents and businesses at risk,” said Congressman Lawler. “Which is exactly why we need the Federal Railroad Administration to open an investigation and get to the bottom of this to prevent it from ever happening again. It is incumbent on CSX to fully collaborate with this investigation and be transparent - anything less would be completely unacceptable.”

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said, “It’s miraculous that last week’s string of brush fires did not result in casualties, which I credit to our incredible emergency responders getting the blaze under control expeditiously. I applaud and support Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Mike Lawler for their stern letter urging and calling on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to investigate the matter with CSX. We need to work together to ensure necessary steps are taken to prevent an emergency of this magnitude from ever happening again.”

According to local reports a CSX freight train allegedly suffered a wheel failure while traveling through Rockland County, sparking a series of brush fires along its tracks. The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office said the fires were separate, varied in size and growth, and did not spread from one ignition. The first fire incidents reported happened in Town of Stony Point and continued Southbound along the tracks through the villages of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw, into the Town of Clarkstown, and ending in Congers.

Burning for several hours across up to 70 acres of land, these brush fires triggered a massive response by all of Rockland County’s 26 volunteer fire departments. Neighboring departments in Orange County, New Jersey and Westchester also responded along with various New York State agencies. Fortunately, due to their rapid response, the fires were mostly under control by early Friday evening and no residents sustained any injuries. However, five firefighters suffered heat exhaustion, with one sustaining a minor burn to their hand.

After hearing these reports from local officials, the representatives said they are particularly concerned that the CSX train’s wheels ignited the brush and caused a major disruption – circumstances that had the potential to make this incident more dangerous and even lethal. They are urging the FRA to collaborate with the railroad and local officials immediately to conduct an investigation and take necessary action to prevent future fires.

A copy of the joint letter to the FRA appears below:

Dear Administrator Bose,

We write to express our deep concerns surrounding last Friday’s brush fires along the CSX train tracks in Rockland County, New York, and to urge the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of the incident. According to initial reports by local officials, on Friday, April 14, 2023, a CSX freight train allegedly suffered a wheel failure sparking a series of brush fires along its tracks from Tomkins Cove to Haverstraw to Congers.

Burning for several hours across up to 70 acres of land, these brush fires triggered a massive response by all of Rockland County’s 26 volunteer fire departments. Neighboring departments in Orange County, New Jersey and Westchester also responded along with various New York State agencies. Fortunately, due to their rapid response, the fires were under control by early Friday evening and no residents sustained any injuries. However, five firefighters suffered heat exhaustion, with one sustaining a minor burn to their hand.

Additionally, the brush fires forced the evacuation of dozens of homes and businesses, and caused extensive damage to property. While the total cost of the damage is still being estimated, it is believed to be millions of dollars. At minimum, the heat from the fire melted or damaged siding on four houses, destroyed two sheds, and damaged several fences and vehicles. The fire closed Route 9W from Short Clove Road/New City Road to Route 304 in Congers for tree and rock removal. Orange and Rockland Utility also had to dispatch crews to replace poles.

After hearing reports by local officials, we are particularly concerned that the freight train's wheels ignited the brush and caused a major disruption, which could have been even more dangerous and lethal.1 We urge the FRA to immediately coordinate with the railroad and local and state officials to investigate the incident and take the necessary actions, and/or require CSX to take the necessary actions to prevent similar future fires.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important request. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

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