Train Cars Carrying Crude Oil Derail, Burn North of Seattle

A firefighter sprays foam on burning, derailed train cars in Custer, Wash., on Dec. 22, 2020. Elaine Thompson/AP Photo

BELLINGHAM, Wash.—Seven train cars carrying crude oil derailed Tuesday and five caught fire, sending a large black plume of smoke into the sky north of Seattle close to the Canadian border, authorities said.

The derailment in the downtown Custer area closed nearby streets and spurred evacuation orders during a large fire response, Whatcom County officials said on Twitter. Interstate 5 was temporarily closed in the area in both directions.