"they could have easily pumped unlimited water directly out of the American River... It was not that far a distance away..." And they did that, eventually, with two available small fire/police boats that had pumping capability. That's what protected the North end of the bridge. As for engine companies pumping from the river? No access to get a pumper close enough to the river's edge, and no structure pumper carries more than 2 lengths of hard suction hose for drafting. You can't use just regular hose, it collapses under suction. You can't suck water off the bridge from the river, due to the height.

The loss of the trestle is tragic and sad, but the railroad knew the risks and made conscious choices to live with them over the years. It is in no way appropriate to ascribe blame for the loss to the Firefighters who did all they could to minimize the loss. You want to attack someone/something? How about the party or parties who SET THE FIRE???