Sunday, July 13, 2025
71.0°F

BNSF holds winter training for first responders

STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 4 months AGO
by STAFF REPORT
| March 10, 2021 1:00 AM

BNSF Railway conducted hands-on winter weather training last week with first responders in the Flathead Valley on Whitefish Lake at City Beach.

The one-day training provided participants with practical experience and techniques to safely respond in the unlikely event of an incident involving crude oil trapped under the ice, according to a release from the railway company.

During the free training, participants learned to recognize and avoid hazards while working on the ice. They conducted hands-on practice with self-rescue, teammate support and oil recovery techniques. For example, class attendees learned how to slot the ice and use a floating boom to deflect or collect oil from under the ice.

Responders also learned how airboats are a vital tool in ice operations and rescues. The training is provided by BNSF employees and contractors.

BNSF has a long history of working with and training first responders across the railroad’s network, the company notes. Through the Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER) program, BNSF, along with other rail industry partners, provides training for emergency hazmat responders.

In 2020, BNSF trained more than 9,000 responders. During the pandemic, BNSF pivoted and offered training via webinars and web-based classes. When safe and practical, BNSF uses its hazmat-training equipment to deliver free, practical, hands-on training to first responders that prepares them to safely and effectively respond to railroad hazmat incidents. BNSF also provides free online railroad hazardous materials familiarization courses for community emergency responders.

To optimize safety, BNSF also established a network of more than 180 hazardous materials responders and advisors trained to handle everything from small non-accident releases to major releases, the company notes. Strategically placed emergency response equipment at over 60 locations across its network supports a responder’s ability to react quickly and effectively.

Learn more about BNSF’s training and to sign up for classes by visiting www.BNSFHazmat.com.

photo

First responders practiced rescue techniques Thursday on Whitefish Lake during a training put on by BNSF Railway. (Photo courtesy Dwight Vasel)

MORE FRONT-PAGE-SLIDER STORIES

Training mixes oil and ice to boost skills
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 3 years, 4 months ago
BNSF, Tribe hosts hazmat training
Bonners Ferry Herald | Updated 8 years, 5 months ago
Safety more than a buzzword for BNSF Railway
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 6 years, 6 months ago

ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT

July 12, 2025 1 a.m.

Washington man convicted for Cd’A Reservation shooting

A Washington man who was convicted of shooting at a family on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation faces possible prison time, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

MLPD conducts operation near Samaritan Hospital
July 9, 2025 5:54 p.m.

MLPD conducts operation near Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Tactical Response team is conducting an operation near Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake close to the intersection of E. Wheeler Road and S. Buchanan Street. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Cd’A man convicted of unlawfully killing trophy bull elk
July 10, 2025 1:06 a.m.

Cd’A man convicted of unlawfully killing trophy bull elk

A man who killed a “well-known” trophy-class bulk elk with a rifle during an archery-only season is guilty of a felony offense, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.