Destruction of Arizona-California Bridge Sparks Emergency Declaration
In a dramatic turn of events, a vital bridge linking Cibola, Arizona to California was engulfed by flames earlier this month, leading to its collapse. The incident prompted the La Paz County Board of Supervisors to declare a state of emergency due to the critical nature of the loss and the subsequent safety hazards.
On August 1st, firefighters were engaged in combating a wildfire in the Oxbow Recreation and Wildlife Area when the 5-acre blaze spread to the Oxbow Bridge. The bridge ultimately succumbed to the flames, crashing into the Colorado River below.
The emergency declaration highlights the significant impact of losing the bridge, an essential conduit for local residents who relied on it for various needs. Furthermore, the remains of the structure create potential risks in the waterway, obstructing passage.
Carissa Rosenfeld, representing the Friends of Cibola NWR, emphasized the disruption to both road and river traffic, stating, “So not only are you not able to drive across the bridge because the bridge isn’t there anymore, you’re not able to pass by boat either because there’s still debris in the water.”
Damage assessments are underway by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The bridge’s absence is keenly felt, as it served as a vital route for individuals traveling for medical services or accessing highways to reach destinations like San Diego.
Rosenfeld further explained the bridge’s importance: “Not only does it provide transportation to other areas like Yuma where people go for medical appointments or grocery shopping, but it also provides access to those that are coming from Yuma to visit the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and Cibola area.”
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