UPDATE: Firefighters Battling Several Brush Fires Alongside Tracks After Sparks Created From Train Dragging Metal

by M.C. Millman 

UPDATE: 5:50 p.m.

"I am in communication with Rockland County Executive Day about brush fires," Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michel Specht said in a tweet at 5:44 p.m.."NYS Office of Emergency Management and Co OEM on scene. Minimal impact to Ramapo residents expected, @Ramapo_PD, all local Fire departments & EMS services providing mutual aid. Sending thoughts & prayers to all affected by this."

UPDATE: 5:40 p.m.

FDNY has been dispatched to help battle the ongoing blaze in Rockland County.

While Shabbos creeps ever closer, New Square Ershte Hilf is still assisting at the scene by distributing Ostreicher cookies and much-needed water for emergency personnel.

UPDATE: 4:20 p.m.  

New Square Ershte Hilf and Chaverim of Rockland are at the scene providing water for the firefighters and drone support for firefighters to get an aerial view of the fire.

One firefighter was transferred from  119 North Harrison Road in Stony Point to Nyack Hospital with minor injuries.

UPDATE: 3:45 p.m.  

"I just spoke with Kathryn Garcia, Director of State Operations for @GovKathyHochul," Congressman Mike Lawler tweeted regarding the ongoing conflagration, " — the State is sending resources to help combat the fires in Haverstraw and Clarkstown. The situation is serious, with many homes in jeopardy along the @CSX rail. Emergency services are on the scene."

Drivers are asked to avoid Route 9W.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.

While the fire continues to burn alongside the railroad tracks, firefighters have requested that CRX, the train company responsible for the multiple blaze event, send assistance before the high voltage wires on top of the track go up in flames. Orange and Rockland is en route to the scene as well.

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After a train dragged a piece of heavy metal down the Haverstraw CSX train line, causing multiple brush fires presently threatening nearby homes and commuter rail lines, firefighters are working to battle the flames.

All twenty-six of Rockland's fire departments are on site, along with ten fire departments from New Jersey and a helicopter.  Dry conditions and wind are creating heavy smoke throughout the area.

In the meantime,  all train traffic in and out of Rockland County has been halted.

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