PHOTOS: The train derailment spewing toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, wasn’t just a game changer for the railroad industry – it’s one for first responders as well.
“This is something we have more discussions about now,’’ Sharon fire Chief Bob Fiscus said about hazardous chemical spills.
When a Norfolk Southern train derailed and caught in East Palestine on Feb. 3, 2023, firefighters said it took them 45 minutes to learn what chemicals were burning.
That sparked a federal regulation change requiring railroads to immediately detail the hazardous chemicals it has aboard a derailed train to first responders. First responders now have access to an app that lists almost instantaneously what each train is carrying.
Fiscus, who also serves as Sharon’s city manager, has used the app just to keep apprised of local train cargo.