Fire Fighting in Canada

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Water used to force propane in derailed tankers to burn out

Oct. 22, 2013, Gainford, Alta. – Crews battling a fire at a train derailment in Alberta are using water to help the flames burn out faster.

October 22, 2013 
By The Canadian Press


Oct. 22, 2013, Gainford, Alta. – Crews battling a fire at a train derailment in Alberta are using water to help the flames burn out faster.

County officials say water is being pumped into a tanker car, which still contains nearly 70,000 litres of propane.

The hope is the water will force the propane to the top of the tank and make it burn off more quickly.

The attempt comes after a second controlled burn Monday night failed to use up all the fuel.

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The fire has been burning since early Saturday morning, when one of 13 CN freight cars carrying oil and propane derailed about 80 kilometres west of Edmonton.

A total of 126 people were ordered to leave their homes in the nearby hamlet of Gainford.

Officials aren't saying when residents might be allowed home.


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