PHOTOS: Crews with Marion County Fire Rescue battled a massive fire in Dunnellon that was creating heavy, toxic smoke on Sunday morning.
The scene, near the intersection of E McKinney Avenue and North Williams Street, is the site of a large stockpile of CSX railroad ties where the fire broke out.
Railroad ties are pieces of wood, evenly spaced, that support steel rail tracks underneath a railroad.
MCFR said the ties are treated with creosote, a chemical preservative used to protect wood outdoors.
When creosote-treated wood is burned, it can release thick, irritating smoke, and authorities are advising residents to stay away from the area if possible.
WFLA-TV NBC 8 Tampa
