Fire Suspends Service On 4 LIRR Branches

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.:

Because of an ongoing four-alarm fire this afternoon at a property next to LIRR tracks at Hillside in Queens, the LIRR is advising customers of four Main Line branches to consider traveling via the Babylon, West Hempstead, Montauk, or Port Washington branches.

Normal service remains suspended until further notice on the Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Oyster Bay, & Hempstead branches. The LIRR has been advised by FDNY to expect a prolonged firefighting operation.

During the evening commute, the LIRR will run extra trains from Penn Station to Babylon. At Babylon, riders will be able to connect to trains running to Hicksville - where there will be limited eastbound service to Port Jefferson & Ronkonkoma.

The LIRR will have additional personnel on-hand at Penn Station & Jamaica this evening to assist customers. Riders can expect sporadic delays & crowds throughout the commute.

FDNY personnel have been responding to the fire throughout the afternoon. After FDNY allows LIRR personnel access to the tracks, the railroad will perform safety & functionality inspections of rails, third rail, signals, & communications equipment prior to restoring service.

Original story:

Long Island Rail Road service has been suspended on four branches because of a fire adjacent to the LIRR tracks east of Jamaica Station, the railroad said Friday afternoon.

Service is suspended in both directions until further notice on the Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Oyster Bay and Hempstead branches.

LIRR riders are encouraged to use alternate branches, including the Montauk and Babylon branches. NYC Transit is cross-honoring LIRR tickets at Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills and Woodside.

Photos by LIRR