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California Rail Fire Threatens Homes

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Officials struggle to prevent propane explosion.

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Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

Firefighters in a Sacramento, Calif., suburb are still struggling to contain a rail-car fire that started on Tuesday night, forcing the evacuation of some 5,000 homes in the region. Officials are trying to siphon a propane tank from the car, which could potentially overheat and cause a massive explosion that would propel metal shards and flames up to a mile away. So far, firefighters have been able to keep the tank cool; they hope to extinguish the blaze within the next 24 to 48 hours but remain anxious about a possible explosion.

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