Train fire in Cheney

UPDATE at 2:53 p.m.

UPDATE at 1:28 p.m.

CHENEY -- A train fire has blocked two major railroad crossings in Cheney and closed a portion of 1st Street.

According to a city emergency alert, a BNSF train engine experienced a fire around 12:35 p.m. The fire has closed 1st Street from Washington to Lincoln streets, as well as rail crossings at Cheney-Plaza and Cheney-Spangle roads.

Motorists are asked to use Washington to Salnave as a detour. An estimated time for the reopening of the crossings is unknown at this time.

UPDATE -- Cheney police officials say the fire, which occurred in a BNSF engine, has been extinguished. The crossings at Cheney-Spangle and Cheney-Plaza roads should be closed for up to another hour as responders at the scene await the arrival of another BNSF engine to tow the train out of the way.

UPDATE -- City of Cheney officials have announced that 1st Street and the railroad crossings at Cheney-Spangle and Cheney-Plaza are now open. More details in the Oct. 31 issue of the Cheney Free Press.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.