BNSF locomotive fire shuts down roads near Prairie du Chien for several hours

June 30, 2026

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – Southbound freight traffic through Prairie du Chien was briefly halted Saturday after a BNSF locomotive caught fire, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and temporary road closures, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Dale McCullick said dispatchers received several reports on June 27 of smoke and flames coming from the rear locomotive of a southbound train. Railroad personnel brought the train to a safe stop at County Road K and State Highway 35 in the Township of Prairie du Chien.

The Rural Bridgeport & Prairie du Chien Fire Department arrived and quickly put out the fire. Early indications point to a mechanical malfunction as the cause, authorities said.

Sections of Limery Road and County Road K were closed for several hours while crews worked at the scene and ensured the area was safe.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Rural Bridgeport & Prairie du Chien Fire Department, Crawford County Highway Department, Prairie du Chien Police Department and BNSF Railway personnel.