Overview
- Witnesses and social posts first reported heavy black smoke rising from an old railyard in Midtown Pueblo, and videos showed large flames and dense plumes.
- Pueblo firefighters responded quickly and were actively spraying water to suppress the blaze that involved piles of old railroad ties.
- Officials said no injuries were reported and no nearby structures were threatened while crews continued containment efforts.
- The fire department issued a public-health advisory telling those downwind and people with breathing problems to close windows, turn off outside air handling units, and avoid the plume.
- Investigators have not yet determined the cause or full extent of damage, and officials warn that treated railroad ties can release toxic smoke that poses short-term health and environmental risks given the site’s proximity to the state hospital and the Riverwalk.