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Saturday afternoon, August 17, 2019, a train car traveling through the downtown area of Magee caused a spark which started a grass fire near Railroad Drive in Magee. Railroad Drive runs parallel with the train tracks. The fire was in the pine trees between the tracks and RR Drive.
Quick action by the Magee Fire Department kept the fast spreading fire at bay. Approximately 14 firemen reported to the fire. Due to the dry ground, the fire spread quickly burning the underbrush. Flames were shooting to the top of the trees as firemen arrived.
Message from Sue: The area of the fire was in front of my home. When a friend contacted me about the firetrucks in my area, I went on the porch hearing the crackling of the fire as well as observing the flames “running” up the trees. The smoke was heavy. I had heard the train earlier and am aware of “hot cars” from years of growing up by the RR tracks.
The pine trees were planted in the 60’s to form a sound buffer to houses located near the tracks.
Although the ground was burned, I think the trees were saved.
