BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Officials say seven train cars carrying crude oil derailed and five caught fire, sending a black plume of smoke into the sky north of Seattle close to the Canadian border. Whatcom County officials said the derailment occurred Tuesday in the downtown Custer area, where streets were closed and evacuations ordered during a large fire response. Sheriff Bill Elfo says no one was injured. The Sheriff’s Office said later Tuesday that the fires were under control but still active and that residents could return home but should stay inside. Home to five oil refineries, Washington state sees millions of gallons of crude oil move by rail through the state each week, most of it from North Dakota.
Train cars carrying crude oil derail, burn north of Seattle
