Fire crews use water to force propane out of derailed rail car

GAINFORD, Alta.—Crews battling a fire at a train derailment in Alberta are using water to help the flames burn out faster.

County officials say water is being pumped into a tanker car, which still contains nearly 70,000 litres of propane.

The hope is the water will force the propane to the top of the tank and make it burn off more quickly.

The attempt comes after a second controlled burn failed to use up all the fuel.

The fire has been burning since early Oct. 19, when one of 13 Canadian National (CN) Railway freight cars carrying oil and propane derailed about 80 kilometres west of Edmonton.

A total of 126 people were ordered to leave their homes in the nearby hamlet of Gainford.

Officials aren’t saying when residents might be allowed home.