Abandoned 1960's era Barnum & Bailey circus train hidden in the woods catches fire

Sadly, the vacant train caught fire on Thursday morning – faded Barnum & Bailey logos and stickers reading 'The Greatest Show on Earth' still visible through the smoke and soot. Orange flames could be seen peering through the train windows like passengers waving goodbye.

The fire was reported before 7 a.m. near the old Masonite Plant in Spring Hope, where the line old railroad cars were stored.

The cars are "currently inaccessible" based on their location in the woods, according to a spokesperson. In recent months, the isolated train had become a popular spot for urban explorers, after people began sharing the train's location and photos in social media groups.

Some comments suggest there may have also been people occasionally using the train for shelter.

The old railroad cars are roughly 4,000 feet from the town limits of Spring Hope. Several volunteer fire departments, the NCDOT and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office responded.

The Associated Press reports the North Carolina Department of Transportation paid $383,000 for the circus cars shortly after Ringling Bros. held its last performance in 2017. The state bought the cars in hopes of refurbishing them for passenger service, but later put them up for auction.

Sky 5 flew over the scene at 8 a.m., and it appeared that at least four of the cars were on fire and badly damaged. Flames and smoke were still visible as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

A spokesperson says a train locomotive will be used to move the affected train cars to ensure any remaining fire is extinguished.

The fire is under investigation. Officials said it is too early to determine if the fire was accidental or started on purpose.