Wyoming train, pipeline fire burns overnight north of Colorado, could be seen from Loveland

DENVER (KDVR) — A large train and gas pipeline fire in Laramie County, Wyo. early Sunday morning could be seen into Colorado as far as Loveland, according to Colorado and Wyoming officials.

Laramie County Fire District #10 in a Facebook post said the fire near mile marker 350 on Interstate 80 was under control as of 9 a.m. Sunday morning, and that crews confirmed the incident involved a Union Pacific Railroad train and a ruptured natural gas pipeline.

The fire district said the ruptured pipeline ignited in close proximity to rail cars carrying hazardous materials. A spokesperson for Union Pacific Railroad told FOX31 the pipeline was the Kinder Morgan Pipeline, and the train stopped about 40 feet from the rupture.

“This was a significant and dangerous event, and we are grateful for the quick actions of our first responders and partner agencies,” said Incident Commander, Division Chief Caeden Quist. “Their teamwork ensured the safety of the community and prevented further escalation.”

The Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson said the heat from the fire made it too dangerous for the train to operate over the track, but there was no train derailment.

Only isolated smoldering and cleanup operations remain, according to the fire district. No one died or was injured, and there were no large hazardous material releases posing a risk to the public.

The Larime County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that officials confirmed the fire was not burning in Larimer County.

The cause of the incident is being investigated by the Union Pacific Railroad and the National Transportation Safety Board.

“We are working with the local fire department and will inspect the track to determine if any repairs are necessary, once firefighters give the all clear,” the Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson said.