Class action lawsuit filed following large railroad tie fire in Dunnellon.

A recent class action lawsuit has been filed against CSX Transportation following a massive railroad tie fire in Dunnellon, seeking $50,000 in damages. The lawsuit, brought by Dunnellon residents, claims that the fire on February 1 caused financial losses and increased risks of cancer and organ damage.

The fire originated on CSX Transportation property near East McKinney Avenue and North Williams Street, with the cause still under investigation by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement. Marion County declared a state of emergency the same day, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 chemically treated railroad ties ablaze.

Railroad ties, also known as railroad sleepers, provide support for railroad tracks and are typically made of wood or concrete. The chemically treated nature of the ties involved in the fire raised concerns about potential health and environmental repercussions due to smoke and air quality issues.

Although air quality monitoring conducted by an independent consultant hired by CSX and local authorities did not show readings above action levels, residents within a 30-mile radius of the fire location are included as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The legal action alleges damages including property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, loss of property use, diminished property value, business income loss, and health risks necessitating medical monitoring for early disease detection.

Residents in Dunnellon expressed worry about potential long-term health effects during a packed City Hall meeting. Dr. Eva Bellon, a longtime Dunnellon resident, emphasized the community’s concern for citizen well-being and stressed the dangerous nature of the smoke emanating from the fire.

Efforts to address the hazard before the fire, including code enforcement violations and formal notices, were detailed during a Marion County Commission meeting. Officials mentioned multiple attempts to mitigate risks associated with the stored railroad ties prior to the fire, labeling the incident as an “accident waiting to happen.”

The upcoming city council meeting will focus on discussions surrounding the cleanup of the burned railroad ties, with ongoing efforts to address community concerns and repercussions related to the toxic smoke and fire incident. The lawsuit also seeks a jury trial to further address the legal implications of the damages incurred by residents as a result of the fire.