Fire in Hillsborough

The RR lost those customers !!! That will never be rebuild !!!!!

An investigation as to why the fire started began last Friday. Is there any preliminary results or solid theories (e.g. construction welding accident, frayed electrical wiring, smoking in prohibited areas, etc.). There seems to be some consensus that the amount of plastic pellets at the complex contributed to the duration and ferocity of the fire, but what started it?

Since stories like this can readily disappear off the radar, perhaps getting a mention months later in the back pages or some obscure site 3 links deep, it would be good if anyone has some real info to share.

With the local fire inspectors, insurance fire inspectors and the ATF involved they probably know the cause already and will release the info soon.

An eye witness reported to me that the fire melted around 17 to 20 rail cars right down to the tracks. In the case of the freight cars that were full of plastic pellets those cars ended up with a solidified block of melted plastic inside. State agencies are still trying to figure out how these cars can be removed. They cannot be cut up with a torch.

Preliminary investigation is over though it is still treated as a crime scene until proven otherwise. Starting point of fire has been determined no cause yet. Low hydrant pressure blamed for severity of fire. Most of the involved tank cars and hoppers are awaiting close inspection to assess how to remove them and the contaminated and destroyed product. The entire fire scene has been enclosed with a six-foot high chain link fence and a 24/7 police presence.

Is the site the former Belle Mead GSA Depot?

snavely wrote:Is the site the former Belle Mead GSA Depot?

Yes, and it is still owned by the US Government.

In news release the BATFE said," On the scene examination and witness statements, it was determined that the fire started in the high rack storage area ( Royal Cabinet Co ) of building 14 in the west side of unit C. Officials said the ignition source could not be determined leaving the fire to be classified as undetermined. The fire caused 50 million dollars damage to the route 206 facility. The property is owned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and sub leased to a private real estate firm."

If you want to get an idea of the carnage at the facility, you can get real close, without actually entering the property. As you travel down Route 206 South, go past the entrance to the industrial park, and take the next driveway, which is the entrance to Dougherty Park. Find a spot to park, and walk up to the fence between the two properties. There's quite a few hoppers with scorched exteriors, (probably full of melted plastic pellets), and at least one car that got hot enough that the car itself melted.

The western half of the industrial site appears functional. A BR&W engine is pictured here with a mix of freight cars. The pile of rubble was there before the fire and isn't related.