Fire shuts down BNSF line in Montana

OREANDA-NEWS. August 24, 2015. BNSF said today it shut down its northern transcontinental route in Montana because of a forest fire.

The carrier is aiding first responders in fighting the fire, one of several burning in and around Glacier National Park. The line through Marias Pass handles grain, intermodal and crude shipments.

"Rail operations through the corridor are currently suspended," BNSF told Argus. "We are implementing efforts to protect BNSF infrastructure and to support the overall response. We will continue to assess our ability to safely resume operations in coordination with the Incident Command."

The fire is spreading because of strong winds and high temperatures in the area, officials said.