Fire Suppression

As you make your way along the KVR trail in Myra Canyon, notice the platforms built out from the middle of the longer trestles. They look like viewpoints, which is how we use them today.

Steam locomotives emitted sparks from their smoke stacks that could ignite the trestle timbers. These platforms used to hold water barrels. After each train passed, the maintenance men used water from the barrels to extinguish smoldering embers. On some trestles metal cladding provided extra protection.

These safety measures were essential for preserving the wooden spans during the steam locomotive era.