WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Police are looking for the public’s help with information regarding a freight car that was destroyed in a fire along the train tracks in Westfield.

State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Jake Wark told 22News Westfield firefighters were sent to the area of 181 Notre Dame Street for a report of a fire in a railroad car at around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, they observed a freight car with its doors open and heavy fire inside it. Fire crews were able to contain the fire, but the contents inside the freight car were destroyed.

Notre Dame Street was shut down between North Elm Street and Crown Street through Wednesday morning. During the investigation, police say there were signs of forced entry on the car and property damage around it.

If you have seen anyone or vehicles near the train tracks north of Notre Dame Street or have any information, contact Westfield Police at 413-572-6400.

“Railway fires come with a unique set of hazards to firefighters and the public, and this was a very challenging fire for us to knock down,” said Westfield Fire Chief Patrick M. Egloff. “We had to cut our way into the freight car to fully extinguish it.”

“Every fire is dangerous,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “We’re very fortunate that no one was injured last night, but if that fire had spread we could have seen a serious risk to the community. If you have any information on how it started, please share it with investigators.”

The incident is being investigated by the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Police Department, and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.