2 train cars carrying lithium-ion car batteries, other items catch fire in Sutter County
SUTTER COUNTY – Two train cars that caught fire while traveling near Marysville over the weekend had lithium-ion car batteries listed as cargo.
The incident was first reported around 6 p.m. Sunday when a northbound train was seen on fire near Highway 70 and 10th Street. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters were able to contain the flames to two cars, but the response to the fire continued late into Sunday night.
A California Office of Emergency Services Hazmat team confirmed that the cars were listed as carrying 72 pounds of lithium-ion car batteries and other items like lighters, hair care products, and computer hardware.
Emergency officials say crews quickly mitigated the danger from the batteries, and it's unclear if the batteries ever caught fire.
Exactly what started the fire is under investigation.
Due to the situation, emergency crews have been urging the public to avoid the area. Live Oak Boulevard was closed between Highway 99 and Eager Road for the emergency response for most of the morning.
Along with agencies from Sutter County, the Office of Emergency Management is involved in the situation.