The continuing threat of wildfires throughout the state has caused a steam-powered railroad to delay opening its operating season by nearly three weeks.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates steam-powered trains on 64 miles of narrow tracks between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonio, Colorado. According to a KOB 4 report, the states share ownership of the railroad, which provides an economic boost to a five-county region.
“If we were to start a fire, I’m not sure we would be able to recover from that,” Billy Elbrock, a railroad commissioner and a Chama village trustee, told KOB.
Railroad officials are concerned a spark from a train could ignite another fire and not only create the potential for more damage but also threaten future insurance coverage.
The commission voted during an emergency meeting to delay the opening from June 11 to July 1, when summer rains are expected to dampen the region. The regular opening during Memorial Day was already postponed due to the time needed to repair a dining hall from a 2021 kitchen fire.
Delaying the opening creates a financial loss and an inconvenience to those who count on the railroad for transportation. But the risks don’t outweigh the reward. Commissioner Scott Gibbs said, “We also realize that nobody is going to pay to ride through a black forest, so that is part of the consideration.”