One firefighter hospitalized for heat-related injuries; cause of blaze at tank-cleaning facility remains under investigation
CHADBOURN, NC — A hazardous‑materials response at the Grist Road rail yard in Chadbourn on Tuesday afternoon sent one firefighter to the hospital with heat‑related injuries, according to preliminary information released through public‑domain incident summaries.
Crews were dispatched to the rail facility for a hazmat call shortly after 2:00 p.m. The operation required a significant mutual-aid effort from regional agencies to manage the scene, with the Wilmington Fire Department called in to provide specialized hazardous materials support. They were joined by the Whiteville Fire Department, which assisted with drone technology for aerial mapping, and the N.C. Forest Service, which provided containment support. Additionally, units from the Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire Department and the Tabor City Fire Department, along with other regional emergency personnel, provided supplemental manpower and cleanup assistance.
Officials say the situation was contained and no public threat was reported. No evacuations, shelter‑in‑place advisories, or extended public‑safety warnings were issued.
The firefighter’s injury was described as heat‑related, and no chemical exposure has been reported. No additional injuries have been confirmed.
Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman provided an update to coastalcarolinanews.com on the event, noting that the facility specializes in the cleaning of railroad tank cars. “The cause of the fire is currently under investigation,” Blackman said.
Coastal Carolina News is the updated branding for bcdollarsaver.com.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved
Be the first to comment