The train slowly rolled through Douglas County’s grassy open space Monday afternoon as people stationed on its roof with hoses doused the black, burned area next to the tracks.
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway “Fire Train” arrived in Colorado from Kansas on Monday, the day after a series of fires sparked along train tracks in Douglas County and burned 130 acres, a video posted by South Metro Fire Rescue shows.
The train and its crew will pass through the fire area multiple times to extinguish flames and hotspots along the tracks, South Metro officials said.
The @BNSFRailway Fire Train has arrived from Kansas with personnel focusing on extinguishing hotspots along the rail line. The Fire Train will make multiple passes through the fire perimeter to ensure dry vegetation is saturated. pic.twitter.com/fRnTqMPc9n
— South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO) July 14, 2025
BNSF Railway’s “firefighting trains” operate across much of the west, especially in areas where high winds and drought conditions can result in wildfires on or near tracks, according to an article by the company.
The fire trains can carry up to 30,000 gallons of water, according to BNSF Railway.
The cause of Sunday’s fires in Douglas County is still under investigation, but South Metro Fire Rescue spokesperson Brian Willie said multiple started along the train tracks. A train was also confirmed to be in the area.
South Metro officials said the fires were 90% contained Monday morning. Crews spent Monday securing the last 10% of the fire’s perimeter and putting out hotspots, including with the fire train.
Douglas County wildfires near Chatfield State Park 90% contained
Four wildfires were still burning Monday on Colorado’s western slope, which together have destroyed more than 7,000 acres with no containment.
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