Some time ago I was aware of a post that discussed the fire. That first mention of that fire also related that the crew was alerted to the problem, and contacted dispatch to coordinate resolving the issue. Dispatch ordered them to continue on the route. This indicates to me that immediately after the incident information was released that implicated the owners of Norfolk Southern in the accident, and not the crew.
This information being officially released weeks after the incident suggests to me that money has percolated down to the NTSB and enemedia in order to prevent the owners of the Norfolk Southern from being held to account for the costs of the incident. You mention the crew stopped and contacted dispatch, which means they only continued after being told to by dispatch.
Thanks!