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Up in flames
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Weds., May 8, 2013 www.revelstoketimesreview.com Vol. 116, No. 18
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Farmers market - 12 Big crowd comes out to watch as firefighters tackle blaze on the CP Rail bridge over the Columbia River Alex Cooper
reporter@revelstoketimesreview.com
Revelstoke Fire & Rescue Services slowly make their way along the CP Rail bridge after it was engulfed in flames on Saturday, May 4, at around 7 p.m. Alex Cooper/Revelstoke Times Review
It was quite the display. The CP Rail bridge burst into flames Saturday evening, bringing out hundreds, if not thousands, of people to watch Revelstoke firefighters tackle the blaze that sent big plumes of black smoke into the sky and down the Columbia River. Word spread quickly over the phone and over social media that the bridge was on fire. The bridge over the Columbia River in Revelstoke re-opened Sunday afternoon after crews completed repairs following the fire, which started on Saturday, May 4, at around 7 p.m. “Work progressed safely throughout the day and after all repairs were complete and track safety inspections were performed, we were able to restore rail service to our main line in Revelstoke late this afternoon and train operations have resumed,” wrote CP Rail spokesperson Kevin Hrysak in an e-mail Sunday afternoon. Revelstoke firefighters, with air support from Arrow Helicop-
ters, took about two hours to put out the intense fire, which started at around 7 p.m. on May 4. The fire slowly filled the valley with thick black smoke – a result of the creosote coating on the bridge – as a northwest wind blew the fumes down the Columbia River. There was no train on the bridge. A crowd of people made their way to the Farwell neighbourhood and Woodenhead Park to witness the fire and watch as firefighters moved in to tackle the blaze. Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services responded in force, with several trucks and 18 firefighters. CP Rail personnel and RCMP also attended. The location of the fire made it difficult to reach, said fire chief Rob Girard, but eventually the fire department got its snorkel truck in place to spray water on the bridge. Afterwards, teams of firefighters could be seen working their way along the bridge, spraying water over the flames. Arrow Helicopters pilot Phil Davies flew
Bridge, page 16
The Spring Fling
Nine pipe bands march down Mackenzie Avenue during the Spring Fling on Saturday. For more, see page 23.
Alex Cooper/Revelstoke Times Review
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