Got an on-line report from another fan news group that the Bellows Falls, VT train station is on fire and a second alarm has been sounded along with request for mutual assistance from other fire departments. Does not sound good.

I just spoke to someone at the town clerks office in Rockingham VT and they said that it was an old shed that used to belong to one of the old paper mills there.

My heart was in my throat for a second...I was just there 4 days ago!

Here's a report from someone on the Yahoo Vermont Rail System group:

Around 10:30 this morning, a large shed near the GMRC offices went up
in smoke and flames. This was not a rail building but sure made for
an interesting morning. I saw Bellows Falls Fire, Rockingham Fire,
Walpole Fire and Springfield Fire on the scene. Others may have been
at the BFF station. Hose was laid across the NECR main which brought
rail traffic to a halt. NECR northbound was stopped south of the
tunnel, NECR southbound was at the Walpole yard and don't forget
Amtrak southbound. Once the fire was under control, the fire
department was kind enough to discontinue use of that 4 inch line and
moved it out of the way and the parade began.

First the NB moved through the area and dove into the yard while the SB held the main (I think it took the yard as I was not near the
Walpole yard). Power was two RMPX former CN units. Then the SB came
through with its usual mix of SD40's and GP 38's and a very long
train including coal (UMass maybe). Finally Amtrak came into view but
had to stop at the signal south of the bridge to wait until the SB
freight cleared the block. Amtrak picked up about 6 passengers and
left only about 40 minutes late.

Phew!

I was just up there for the Easter run, which by the way was one of the best organized, best run, best value rides have been on in my few years as the parent of a toddling buff.

The GMRC/VRS family really know how to do it right, and the Bellows Falls depot is a wonderful example of that. I am so glad it is OK.

Rob