The reporting of the facts on this incident have been very interesting. Thanks are due to Don Haldeman, M. Harris, and David Epling for their accurate input and knowledge regarding the efforts to fight the bridge fire. There are a number of firefighters who are interested in the railroad, and conversely there are railfans and railroaders who are interested in fire fighting. I honestly did not know that the lengths of rubber hose on fire trucks was used for suction, until reading their posts. Finally Stevo De Applegato summed it all up for us, and certain people in particular to calm down, and read the facts. The fire may have been arson, but the professionals will determine that. This unfortunate fire was not a conspiracy toward Amtrak, or part of a UP "master plan," as suggested by some of the persons posting, who were in turn flamed, regarding their take on this bridge fire.

We are now witnessing a mobilization of a major railroad to restore service along the historic Overland Route, of the late great Southern Pacific. Remember too that many of the B&B, MW, Signal and other forces involved are former SP and WP people. The same people who have kept Donner Pass and the Feather River Canyon open to traffic for decades, under some very adverse conditions. Colis P. Huntington and Edward H. Harriman would definitely have approved of how quickly the burned out bridge will be replaced. This unfortunate fire is providing all of us onlookers with a free show. Lots of dedicated B&B, MW, Signal, detouring and deadheading train and engine crews, along with other railroad employees, are going to go without sleep for awhile.

Glen Icanberry
Redlands, CA