Creosote fires can seem worse because of the "optics" it creates. We had a fire on part of the approaches to the SP Alhambra line bridge over the Rio Hondo in El Monte back in the 70's (IIRC???) that caused a lot of "external" flame and smoke, as the creosote on the outside of the wood components, "burns off" (but, not burning much of the underlying wood). After that fire was put out and the bridge was inspected, it turned out that it didn't cause that much actual "structural" damage, and I seem to remember it was repaired very quickly, and back in operation.

So this sounds like pretty good news to many folks. Of course, the train hating trolls will probably hate that news...