On Tuesday, July 29, at 7:19 AM, the Fairfield Fire Department was dispatched on a report of a train on fire in the Fairfield Metro Station.
Three engines, two ladders and a shift commander responded to the scene along with the Fairfield Police Department. When fire and police units arrived on scene, nothing was visible from the outside of Train #1531 that was parked on Track 3 in the station and was in the process of being evacuated. Fire personnel determined that there was a fire on the top of Car# 8912 in the high voltage area. The Engineer and Conductor of Metro North Train #1531 lowered the catenary structures prior to the fire department's arrival in accordance with emergency procedures, which allowed the fire to self-extinguish.
Fire personnel investigated a minor smoke condition inside the affected car and used thermal imaging cameras to ensure that the fire was out. The Fairfield Fire Department Incident Commander worked with MTA and Rail Track Control personnel to transfer passengers to a second train and restore rail service as quick as possible. The affected train was transported by MTA personnel out of service and without passengers to the Stamford Rail Station for inspection and repairs. There were no reported injuries of passengers due to the fire or during the evacuation of the train. There is no estimate of fire damage available for car# 8912.
Assistant Chief Scott Bisson stated, "Emergency responders worked closely with MTA officials to ensure the safety of the passengers and the restoration of commuter service both during and after the fire."