The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has pushed back the start of its excursion season by nearly three weeks due to extreme wildfire danger.
The 64-mile steam-powered narrow gauge railroad, owned by the states of New Mexico and Colorado, now aims to begin its season on July 1 rather than the previously scheduled June 11 opening date. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission made the decision during an emergency meeting on June 1.
Officials said they were concerned about the possibility that the railroad could spark a wildfire, The Associated Press reported. “If we were to start a fire, I’m not sure we would be able to recover from that,” said Billy Elbrock, a railroad commissioner and a Chama, N.M., village trustee.
The railroad typically opens Memorial Day weekend. This year’s opening was already delayed while the railroad works to restore the Osier, N.M., dining hall that was damaged by a fire last year.
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