MT. RAINIER, Wash. — A fire has devastated the largest wooden trestle of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, throwing the organization’s historic railway restoration project into jeopardy.
The blaze, which happened on a critical 28-span bridge between Mineral and Morton, was reported to the fire department at 6:40 p.m.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | KOMO News explores Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
By the time crews arrived over an hour later, the damage was extensive.
The bridge was rebuilt 20 years ago and deemed structurally sound, was essential for reopening freight and passenger services to Morton.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a heritage railway that offers inclusive and sustainiable recreation for visitors. Passengers board in Elbe and take an 18-mile ride on a vintage logging locomotive through the countryside, with a terminus at a historic logging museum.
“With the world’s largest comprehensive collection of logging locomotives, we will promote and provide historical steam age experiences telling the stories of those that lived, worked, and were impacted by the railroads,” a statement on the website reads.
Western Forest Industries Museum, a local nonprofit organization, assumed ownership of Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in August of 2022 after its 2020 closure by the former operator.
WFIM spent two and a half years rebuilding the railroad mile by mile, carrying “more passengers than ever,” opening access, clearing track, and more.
The nonprofit has consistently provided updates about its endeavors to restore the railroad through the years, including building out the tracks, restoring historic locomotives and equipment, and hosting community events.
MRSR said the loss of the bridge has significant implications for the financial stability and future plans of the railroad and the communities it serves.
“This wasn’t just a bridge. It was the backbone of our future: the critical connection that would allow both freight and passenger service to return to Morton. After years of work, planning, and progress, we were finally on the brink of a new era—ready to restore service, revitalize the communities we serve, and build long-term financial sustainability for the railroad,” the organization said.
“Our organization has done a herculean amount of work in the last two and a half years,” Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad said in the announcement about the fire. “We’ve carried more passengers than ever before. We’ve cleared more track. We’ve fought for every inch of progress with sweat, sacrifice, and no shortage of stress. And this—this hurts.”
MRSR also expressed anger and frustration, alleging arson as a possible reason for the fire.
“Bridges do not spontaneously combust. Someone did this. Whether through recklessness or malice, someone set in motion the destruction of decades of infrastructure and millions in future regional impact,” a representative said.
According to the organization, the fire happened just hours after the railway’s total sale to WFIM was finalized
The railroad is seeking support from the community to help rebuild, and provided a link for donations that will go toward insurance deductibles, legal costs, and recovery planning.
We’re down. But not out,” Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad said in a social media post.
They plan to provide updates and photos as they assess the damage further, and the community is urged to stay off the tracks for safety reasons.
As of Thursday morning, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources confirmed the fire was small but still burning, and that were launched to assess the scene.
