Photo description:

Brandon Sun 06112009 Billowing smoke is seen from the CN line passing through Spy Hill, SK, after a CN train derailment east of Spy Hill on Saturday, December 6, 2009. A freight train derailed at approximately 7:00 AM causing a large fire that forced the evacuation of nearby homes. Because of the components of the train cars and the ferocity of the fire, rescue crews could do nothing but secure the scene and watch the fire from a distance. No one is believed to have been injured in the derailment and subsequent fire. The town and R.M. of Spy Hill has declared a pre-emptive state of emergency in case shifting winds force the evacuation of the town. (Tim Smith/Brandon Sun)