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HAY RIVER
Despite a rash of forest fires in northern Alberta, freight trains are getting through to the end of the rail line in Hay River.

"We still are running trains. We are periodically suspending service when the fires move too close to the line," said Warren Chandler, regional manager for public affairs in Western Canada with Canadian National Railway, which operates the line to Hay River.

"CN freight operations between High Level and Hay River have been affected since Friday, July 13, by wildfires in the area of Zama (Alta.)," he said on July 17. "Our ongoing inspections show there's been no damage to CN's track or infrastructure."

Trains have been coming into Hay River since July 13.

Chandler said CN is working closely with Alberta fire response authorities to assist in their efforts to ensure the safety of the company's crews and operations.

When asked if the fires have gone over the rail line, the CN spokesman said, "All I can comment on is that there has been no damage to our track or infrastructure."

Chandler explained the trains come to Hay River based on customer demand, adding customers have been informed of the situation created by the Alberta wildfires. Trains coming into Hay River usually transport a number of commodities including fuel.

"We already work closely with our customers," he said. "So we've already been in touch with them."

The 585-kilometre rail line to Hay River from Peace River, Alta., was formerly known as Mackenzie Northern Railway. Since being purchased by CN in 2006, it has been officially known as the Meander Subdivision.

CN built the line in the 1960s and it was originally called the Great Slave Lake Railway.

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