Canadian National Railway (CN) has suspended freight operations in parts of Northern Ontario affected by ongoing wildfires, following the release of a video showing a CN locomotive surrounded by flames. The footage, taken from inside the train’s cab near Armstrong, Ontario, close to Lake Nipigon, was shared on social media and depicts crew members communicating by radio as they become encircled by fire.

In the video, an operator expresses concern about the advancing flames, stating, “This could potentially overtake us here,” while waiting on a siding for another train to pass. The approaching train is seen moving through smoke and fire, prompting a relieved reaction from the crew. The incident underscores the challenges faced by railway workers amid deteriorating wildfire conditions in the region.

CN confirmed that employees operating in the affected areas have been evacuated and that rail operations have been halted to ensure safety. A company spokesperson said CN is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and local authorities as the situation develops, emphasizing that the safety of workers, emergency personnel, and local communities is the company’s foremost priority. No injuries were reported.

However, railway unions criticized CN for allowing trains to operate in hazardous conditions. Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), praised the professionalism of the crew involved but noted that the incident “should never have happened,” arguing that CN was fully aware of the severity and duration of the fires, which have been burning for approximately five weeks. François Laporte, president of Teamsters Canada, also called on CN to prioritize the welfare of its workers and communities, stating, “No shipment is worth a human life.”

Meanwhile, several communities in Northern Ontario have been evacuated as multiple wildfires continue to burn across the region, contributing to poor air quality. The smoke conditions have extended to southern Ontario, with Toronto’s air quality ranked as the world’s second-worst and labelled “unhealthy” by air quality monitors.

In contrast to CN, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, another major rail operator, reported that their operations in Ontario and Western Canada remain unaffected by the wildfires, according to a company spokesperson.

The wildfires in Northern Ontario and other regions continue to pose significant challenges to transportation networks and public health, prompting ongoing efforts by emergency services and transportation companies to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.