Arrest Made in New Year’s Day Catskill Mountain Railroad Fire

Fire at Catskill Mountain Railroad

On the first day of 2026, The Catskill Mountain Railroad shared news no one wants to hear.

The Catskill Mountain Railroad wrote on Facebook:

Not a good way to start the New Year. CMRR's Locomotive #400 was set on fire early this morning. With fresh snow overnight it looks like someone walked down from Highway 587 to do it.

Additionally, the City of Kingston Fire Department shared that they responded to a "reported locomotive fire in the area of Kingston Plaza" at approximately 3:00 am.

The City of Kingston Fire Department explains that first responders were on the scene quickly and "worked for approximately two hours" to knock down the fire and bring it under control.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Both the Kingston Fire Department and Catskill Mountain Railroad shared that they would up date the public with any details that come forward.

The day following the fire an arrest was made.

Arrest Made in Catskill Mountain Railroad Fire

Earlier this week, the Kingston Police Department released a statement regarding an arrested related to the Catskill Mountain Railroad fire.

According to a press release, 25 year-old John J. Dwyer was arrested in connection to the fire on January 2nd, 2026.

Dwyer was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, Arson 5th Degree. The City of Kingston Police Department determined "that the fire was set in the cab of the locomotive" they add that they "do not believe the Catskill Mountain Railroad was directly targeted."

More Arrest Are Expected in Railroad Fire

The press release goes on to explain that Dwyer was arraigned in Ulster County CAP Court and released on his own recognizance. He returned to Kingston City Court January 5th, was released by Kingston City Court to return on January 8th.

The City of Kingston Police Department also share that "additional arrest are expected"

They ask that if the public has any information regarding the fire, to contact the City of Kingston Police at 845-331-8404 or email detectives@kingston.ny.gov.