Southern Calif. Fires -vs- UP RR and BNSF

[Anonymous]

The fires in Southern Cal are really causing some problems for UP and BNSF. The San Bernardino - Barstow line has been closed and or drastically slowed several times since Saturday due to fires around the line or excess smoke blowing across the tracks, inhibiting visibility.

There was an outage of more than 12 hrs over the weekend and another today. Over the weekend the fires were on the pass itself. Today the problems are to the East, between Summit and Barstow (Hisperia area.)

I haven't heard of trouble yet on the UP Palmdale Cut-off yet (Mojave - LA), but that may just mean that I just haven't heard it yet.

It sure seems a tough time to live or work in Southern California.[:(]

[mudchicken]

dblstack:

Denver can sympathize a little with California after yesterday. Denver joint line (UPRR/BNSF) was threatened by fire yesterday. Fortunately the Cherokee Ranch fire moved away from the railroad between Big Lift / Louviers and Castle Rock. Highway 85 that parallels the old ATSF/DRGW lines was closed briefly yesterday.

Soot covered iron feathers

[Anonymous]

What I'm worried about more so than any of the current class 1's is what vintage historical equipment might be at risk because of the fires. I haven't heard anything, though. Hopefully the fires will be out very soon! My prayers go out to all of those down there.

[brilondon]

I think that this is a travisty especially since half the fires and the biggest one around San Diego was deliberatly set by some egomaniac who gets his jollies from doing horrible things like start fires. I can only hope and pray that the weaher changes and allows the men aond women to get the fires under control. Good luck to all the people on the front lines in Southern California and God Bless.

Brian

[Anonymous]

Thankfully they've just said now that the worst fires are under control and that things are getting much better. Let's hope that that is so.