Date: Wed, Sep 9, 2020 at 5:07 PM
Subject: Loss of Washington's Colfax Bridge and possible Lane County, Oregon bridges.

For those who have not yet heard the news, we are saddened to report that one or more of our nation's historic covered bridges have been lost to wildfires. I am copying Jim Crouse who will likely share this information with his extensive mailing list.

The century-old Howe-truss Colfax Bridge served the Great Northern Railroad in the eastern part of Washington State until the line was abandoned in 1967. After that the bridge was converted to vehicle use. The bridge was unusual because the high vertical trusses were fully covered and it did not have a roof. This design was used for multiple Great Northern bridges, but this was the last one in the United States. There is still one other like it in British Columbia, Canada. It was consumed by a wildfire on Monday, September 7th. More details can be found in this story - Historic Manning Covered Bridge Destroyed In Wildfire Near Colfax-Blaze Mostly Under Control.

In Lane County, Oregon, there was a news report that the Goodpasture and Belknap Bridges were lost in a wildfire there. This was the article that was shared with me - Blue River Community ‘Total Loss’. We have since learned that Goodpasture was still intact as of this morning. No more word on the Belknap Bridge yet. The Belknap Bridge wasn’t as old as the others. It was built in 1964 after the previous bridge at that location was washed away by floodwaters. If the following link works, it is an incredible video of firefighters working to save the Goodpasture Bridge - https://www.facebook.com/100014798942403/videos/939825003187456".

I will share additional information as it comes my way.

Bill Caswell
Hillsboro, NH
nspcb@yahoo.com

President, National Society for the
Preservation of Covered Bridges
www.coveredbridgesociety.org

https://www.facebook.com/nspcb