Cleanup, questions, evacuation continues at train derailment site in Saskatchewan

WADENA, Sask. – Residents of a small community east of Saskatoon who were forced from their homes by a fiery train derailment are awaiting word about when they can return.

 The CN freight train derailed Tuesday near Clair, and a few of the 26 cars were carrying petroleum products and caught fire.

Wadena fire chief Harold Narfason says the 50 residents won’t be allowed back until conditions are deemed safe.

A CN Rail train derails in Sask, with 2 cars carrying petroleum distillate spilled & on fire http://t.co/DSMpI3UaoU pic.twitter.com/uo0iPcJc9A

— David George-Cosh (@itsdgc) October 7, 2014

He says officials are meeting this morning to assess the situation.

Narfason says air quality appears to be fine since a CN crew and contractors working on removing the rail cars from the track bed aren’t wearing any breathing apparatus.

#CNRail derailment in #Saskatchewan. Rail cars on fire leading to evacuations. http://t.co/lDd1mhk9Mm

— CKNW (@CKNW) October 7, 2014

He says one small fire continues to burn, but says it’s not a major concern.

“It’s burned itself pretty much out,” Narfason said early Wednesday morning from about one kilometre from the derailment.

There is a herd of buffalo about half a kilometre from the derailment, but Narfason says there’s no concern for their health and safety at this point.