Freight Train Derails in Washington State

WISHRAM, Wash. (AP) -- A freight train derailed Sunday in a remote area of southwest Washington state, sparking an 800-acre brush fire near the Columbia River.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train was heading west when 13 cars carrying wheat, barley and woodchips derailed Sunday afternoon, said Gus Melonas, a spokesman for the railroad.

Sparks from the derailment started two fires that, fueled by grassland and winds up to 40 mph, quickly joined and moved east toward the edge of town and its estimated 300 residents, fire officials said.

There were no reports of injuries and no structures were threatened. Fire officials said the fire burned about 800 acres before it was contained three hours later.

Melonas said the 93-car train and its two crewmembers had been traveling to Vancouver, Wash., about 90 miles from Wishram.

The cause of the derailment was under investigation.