PHOTOS: New York Train Tracks Are On Fire. Here’s Why

PHOTOS: New York Train Tracks Are On Fire. Here’s Why

According to the MTA, there's a very specific reason why riders might see train tracks lit up in flames (MTA LIRR via Facebook/Canva)

It's fair to assume that not many New Yorkers had "flaming railroad tracks" on their 2025 bingo card, yet here we are.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) recently took to Facebook to explain why some riders might see something odd the next time they take the train.

According to the MTA, there's a very specific reason why riders might see train tracks lit up in flames (MTA LIRR via Facebook)
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Hudson Valley Train Service in the News

Train travel has been on the minds of many Hudson Valley residents with Amtrak's recent announcement (and then backtrack) of service changes that would affect commuters between Albany and New York City. The flaming MTA tracks, however, are about keeping service.

During winter months, the MTA uses flames to help trains stay in service (Canva)
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MTA: Flaming Tracks Are a Good Thing

"If you see flames by our track switches, fear not", began a recent post from the MTA's Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Facebook page (below). They went on to explain that the fires aren't an emergency, but rather a standard procedure to keep trains moving during the winter months.

Switch Heaters on MTA Train Tracks

The flames, which are used in conjunction with electric heaters, do to railroad tracks what space heaters or even hair dryers might do to water pipes in residential homes: keep them from freezing.

Read More: Why Hudson Valley Trains Are Louder Than Ever

While brush fires, track fires, and even explosions have all impacted train service in the Hudson Valley in recent years, it was welcome news to learn that at least sometimes, flames can be a good thing.

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2025 is set to be a big year for the MTA, with brand new hybrid trains set to start service early this year. Amtrak isn't far behind, with planned upgrades to trains taking riders longer distances by 2026.

Abandoned Trains of New York State

Take a look around these trains, found in the woods, that time seems to have forgotten.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

These Upstate NY Train Stations are Certified "Historic!"

There is just something about an old train station. And Upstate New York has an abundance of them, reaching back to the infancy of train transportation in America.

This gallery looks a selection of train stations that have been listed on the official National Register of Historic Places. And for good reason. They have beautiful classic architecture, several have remained active as Amtrak stations now into the 21st Century, and others have morphed into museums. All are worthy of a visit from you, whether you are a "rail head" or not. They are beautiful and very interesting!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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