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Photo of the Week: Ore. firefighters extinguish battery fire atop light rail train

Portland firefighters worked with TriMet to de-energize overhead power lines before extinguishing a roof-compartment fire fueled by train batteries and A/C units

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Greg Muhr - PF&R Volunteer Photographer, Portland Fire & Rescue | Facebook

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland firefighters responded to a fire in the roof compartment of a MAX Line train car on Oct. 12 at the Johnson Creek station in Southeast Portland.

The fire was contained to the roof compartment, which housed batteries and A/C units. Due to the potential for toxic off-gassing from the batteries, all firefighters in the area were required to be on air with protective face pieces to avoid being overcome by smoke if the wind shifted. Overhead power lines had to be de-energized from the TriMet Operations Center and the contact points lowered before crews could safely apply water to the fire.

A slow, methodical approach coordinated by multiple command and chief officers, with consultation from the Portland Fire & Rescue Hazmat Team, led to full extinguishment of the fire.

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