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N.D. (AP) Authorities say air quality appears to be improving after a fire from the derailment of a crude oil-carrying train in southeastern North Dakota.

The BNSF Railway train derailed Monday near Casselton, prompting the evacuation of about two-thirds of the town’s 2,400 residents.

Cass County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tara Morris says air quality is being tested by a contractor hired by the railroad. Morris said Tuesday morning there have been improvements in air quality readings but authorities weren’t yet prepared to “give the all-clear.”

The town’s water tower is about half-covered with soot. Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney says he expects a lot of soot around town. He tells The Associated Press, “wait until you see the footprints in the snow later on.”  The derailment/s cause isn’t known.  No one was hurt.

BNSF Railway is opening a claims center for residents of Casselton after the derailment of a crude-oil carrying train about a mile from the southeastern North Dakota town.

The claims center is to open Thursday at the Days Inn Casselton and will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Personal expense claim forms and also business interruption claim forms will be available. People with claims will need a driver’s license or other identification, along with proof of residency, such as mail with a name and address.

Casselton residents can call this toll free number 1-866–243-4784 for information starting on Thursday, January 2.