A forest fire south of a remote community has cancelled the passenger train into the community.
Ontario Northland announced tonight that the Polar Bear Express train between Cochrane and Moosonee was cancelled today (June 24). While the train left Moosonee this evening, more than 100 passengers were brought back to the community shortly after due to a nearby forest fire.
"Safety is our top priority, and we are working with the authorities to determine when rail service can safely resume," reads the statement on Ontario Northland's website.
The forest fire is about 112 kilometres southwest of Moosonee, according to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resourcces and Forestry (MNRF).
It is the only new fire reported today in the northeast and is 200 hectares in size. One fire crew is committed to the fire, which is receiving aerial fire suppression support.
Moose Cree First Nation reported on Facebook that just after 5 p.m. the rail line was closed because the fire was on the track and hydro poles nearby around Ranoke were burning.
The freight train scheduled to travel from Moosonee to Cochrane this evening has also been suspended, Moose Cree First Nation reported on Facebook.
Tomorrow's (June 25) northbound trip from Cochrane to Moosonee is also cancelled. The Moosonee to Cochrane trip will be in service if it's safe to do so. The company says passengers who have booked tickets will be given updates throughout the day.
If it's safe, an extra train going in each direction will run on Wednesday, June 26.
Passengers with questions can email [email protected] or call 1-800-461-8558. The notice says there is no fee to reschedule or refund tickets.
