Grinder sparks fires

WSLS NewsChannel 10 - Virginia / Mar 8, 2007

Brush Fires Sparked by Railroad Work

Wildfires driven by high winds sprang up across southwest Virginia, prompting the evacuation of a Wise County hotel.

State forestry officials say several of yesterday’s fires were caused by rail-grinding work being done to smooth Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. The grinding throws off sparks, and the workers were warned to stop working in the dry, windy conditions.

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