BNSF Locomotive Catches Fire Traveling West into Baxter

Brainerd Fire Department responded to the engine fire, extinguishing the blaze after an hour and a half.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A BNSF Railway locomotive caught fire on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as it was traveling west from the Brainerd rail yard into the neighboring city of Baxter. The Brainerd Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to extinguish the fire after about an hour and a half, with no reported injuries.

Why it matters

Train fires can pose significant safety risks and disrupt rail transportation, which is a critical part of the region's infrastructure. The incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols for locomotives to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

The locomotive was one of three pulling a train with 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel between them. The fire department used dry chemical extinguishers to put out the blaze, which appeared to have been caused by an electrical issue. Crews had to remove the top panels of the locomotive and burning filters to access the fire.

  • The fire was reported at 10:25 a.m. on February 11, 2026.
  • Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour and a half.

The players

BNSF Railway

A major freight railroad company that operates in the western United States.

Brainerd Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the locomotive fire and extinguished the blaze.

Dave Cox

The assistant fire chief of the Brainerd Fire Department who was on the scene and coordinated the response.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that our rail infrastructure is well-maintained and safe for both workers and the public.”

— Dave Cox, Assistant Fire Chief, Brainerd Fire Department

What’s next

BNSF Railway will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the fire to identify any necessary safety improvements or maintenance procedures.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proactive safety measures and vigilance in the rail industry to prevent potentially dangerous situations and minimize disruptions to critical transportation services.