Burglary hits moving BNSF train as container catches fire in Riverside

A BNSF train carrying mixed freight caught fire during a burglary in Riverside, California, Thursday morning. The train was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago, BNSF told FreightWaves. Firefighters found an open upper container burning on the moving double-stack train. Officials have not identified the items inside or reported any stolen cargo.

Riverside dispatchers received the first report at 4:40 a.m. near Chicago Avenue. Early information placed the train heading west from downtown. Crews later located it moving east between Spruce and Columbia streets. Riverside Fire Department deployed 19 firefighters, four engines, one truck and a chief officer.

Crews move train for access

Access problems prevented crews from reaching the flames at their first location. Incident commanders directed railroad personnel to reposition the equipment farther east. Once crews gained access, firefighters extinguished the blaze and recorded control at 5:30 a.m. The department identified the event as incident RIV #26-34784.

BNSF told FreightWaves that Colton Fire Department also responded to the incident. Firefighters later returned the railcar to a BNSF representative and company police. Railroad investigators took charge of removal and examination. Officials reported no deaths, injuries, evacuations or displaced residents.

Investigation continues

BNSF Police now lead the investigation into the burglary and fire. The railroad did not identify suspects, arrests, vehicles, losses or service disruptions. It also did not explain how the burglary unfolded or whether suspects caused the fire. “These are not victimless crimes,” BNSF told FreightWaves.

Freight can include medicine, food and other critical supplies, the company noted. BNSF described its network security protocols as robust. Company officials also cited coordination with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement. Investigators have not announced when they expect to complete the case.

Why it matters

Cargo theft can interrupt freight movements while complicating loss assessments and customer communication. Confirmed facts help supply chain professionals manage risk without overstating an ongoing investigation.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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