Even the train tracks got cold

After the fire was out, Huguelet repaired the tracks.

Gil Huguelet of Marshville, an 18-year veteran of CSX Transportation, set railroad tracks on fire in Ellenboro last Monday afternoon in order to provide safer tracks for the trains. Heating the tracks with fire expands the metal until two rails can be put back together again -- an issue that can occur during extreme cold temperatures, ice and snow, explained Huguelet. The extreme cold that has been experienced in Rutherford County and the region expands the metal until the two rails can be put back together. Huguelet, an inspector for the CSX track from Monroe to Bostic, rides the rails making sure the "tracks are safe for the trains," he said. Kerosene soaked substance (resembling sand) was used to start the fire along the tracks.