Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday responded to a locomotive fire and an apartment fire.
At 5:47 p.m., Tri-Community received a call of a locomotive on fire at Howardsville Road. Five engines responded. Tri-Community Assistant Chief Danny Hague arrived on the scene and reported a small fire on the fourth locomotive in a traction motor.
The fire was controlled with two fire extinguishers. A small fire was also extinguished on a few railroad cross ties. Norfolk Southern sent a train mechanic to the fire scene to determine if the locomotive could be moved safely.
Damages are unknown at this time. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire will be under investigation by Norfolk Southern.
In the same evening, Tri-Community received another emergency call regarding a possible apartment fire located at 8634 Tradewinds Circle in Collegedale.
At 9 p.m., Tri-Community responded to the scene. While en route, firefighters were notified that the Fire Pull Station had been activated at an apartment building. The first unit arrived on the scene and initially reported nothing showing. Moments later, firefighters located smoke on the second floor and then heavy smoke in one of the apartments.
The source of the smoke was a fire on a stove and contained in the kitchen. The burning materials were removed from the apartment.
Two people received medical attention by Hamilton County EMS Medic 5 for minor smoke inhalation. Two apartments suffered smoke damage and all residents were able to return to their apartments within the hour.
Tri-Community Deputy Chief Dennis Thomason reported the fire was ruled accidental by the Tri-Community Fire Marshal’s office.