Railroad maintenance cause of summer’s destructive Rose Fire near Wickenburg
WICKENBURG, AZ (AZFamily) — A cause has been determined of a destructive wildfire earlier this summer near Wickenburg.
On Monday, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management spokesperson Tiffany Davila said investigators found the Rose Fire was caused by railroad maintenance operations.
The 166-acre wildfire burned from June 12 to 17 on the east side of U.S. 60 and destroyed several structures and vehicles.
Investigators found a section of cut railroad track from work along the BNSF rail line, and they determined that area was the point of origin for the fire. They said the fire moved upslope away from the tracks.
Davila said investigators concluded the wildfire started from sparks caused by a welder, grinder or torch used to cut the rail line.
The fire destroyed 15 structures, vehicles and utility infrastructure and forced the closure of U.S. 60 in both directions near Wickenburg. The cost of the fire is estimated at $971,000.
Among the structures lost in the fire was the childhood home of Kara Engemann-Tracy. Her family’s property included three homes and a mechanic shop, but the Rose Fire destroyed everything and all of her dad’s belongings. She says her dad barely made it out alive, but he also got the family cat to safety.
BNSF sent Arizona’s Family the following statement
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