DUNNELLON, Fla. – Concerned residents gathered at Dunnellon City Hall Monday night to express worries about the potential long-term health effects stemming from a recent railroad tie fire in Marion County, which blanketed nearby neighborhoods in thick smoke.
The meeting, which saw City Hall filled to capacity, followed a significant blaze that erupted at a stockpile of chemically treated railroad ties located near East McKinney Street and North Williams Street, as reported by the Marion County Fire Department. Authorities cautioned that the treated wood could emit dense, irritating smoke and advised locals to avoid the area, keeping windows and doors shut for safety. Some residents received evacuation notices but were left uncertain about the best course of action.
[VIDEO: Toxic smoke warning issued after railroad ties burn in Marion County]
Dr. Eva Bellon, a longtime Dunnellon resident, voiced her concerns at the meeting, emphasizing the community’s apprehension about the potential health risks. “We care about this. We care about our home. We care about the well-being of all the citizens,” Bellon stated.
Both Bellon and fellow residents are particularly worried about the fire’s smoke, suspecting it to be more hazardous than typical smoke due to the chemicals used in treating the railroad ties. “Everyone is worried about the overall health of everyone who lives in the area,” Bellon added. “The smoke was dangerous. It’s not just normal smoke.”
“Everyone is worried about the overall health of everyone who lives in the area,” Bellon said. “The smoke was dangerous. It’s not just normal smoke.”
Nearby resident Leroy Thomas said he came to city hall because he is concerned about both the air quality during the fire and any chemicals that may remain at the site.
“I don’t live far from there. We had a notice of evacuation. We didn’t know what to do,” Thomas said. “I went down to look around and the fire was everywhere. It’s bad.”
Homeowners told city leaders they believed the owners of the railroad tie stockpile had been working to remove the materials from the area because of the risks they posed, but that process had been delayed.
“They delayed it too long, and our worst nightmare, which we had warned them about, was this fire,” one resident said.
Jyoti Parmar with the Sierra Club also addressed city leaders, expressing concern about how quickly the fire spread and the potential environmental and health impacts.
“It was shock and dismay,” Parmar said. “There was deep concern about what the impacts are going to be and how quickly the fire was going to be contained.”
In response to the fire, Dunnellon’s mayor declared a state of emergency as crews worked to extinguish the flames.
City leaders praised firefighters for their response, noting the dangers posed by toxic chemicals released during the fire.
Residents said they are now awaiting updates on cleanup efforts and the disposal of remaining materials at the site as officials assess any lingering risks.
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