The fate of a railway bridge over Running Creek at the northwestern edge of Wallaceburg remains unclear a month after two fires of unknown origin destroyed much of the structure.
Ken Labonte, assistant chief of Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue, said firefighters were called out to the structure Oct. 2 and 5.
On the second occasion, when firefighters from Wallaceburg and Chatham arrived, the flames were five feet high, and thick, black smoke poured from the blaze.
Fire officials called in a tanker team from Tupperville to help establish a tanker shuttle system to provide sufficient water on site to combat the fire.
Due to the toxins produced from the burning ties, fire officials notified the Ministry of Environment and advised neighbouring residents on the matter.
The structure is part of a rail line running from Sarnia through Wallaceburg, Dresden and into Chatham. The line hasn’t been used in some 20 years and has gone through several ownership changes including a period of municipal ownership which ended in 2019.
Fire officials have recommended removal of the bride. Dave Taylor, Chatham-Kent director of legal services, said the municipality is in the process of contacting the owner of the property.
The Provincial Ministry of the Environment Spills Action Centre was notified of the spill.
