Cajon Pass Fire

Saw that on the news earlier. Nothing about the rail roads, but they showed cars and trucks burning on the freeway where the fire crossed over I-15.

Rail traffic was stopped as well.

The fire has grown. I live down the hill from there so while I am okay there are others that might be in harm's way. My question is do these fires hurt the rails if the ties are now cement? How do the railroads test the rails and bed? I know I am an amateur so I would like to know. Thanks!

Cajon Pass is all concrete ties and welded rail so there's nothing to burn. The heat would be the only issue but not likely to do any damage. The rail detector and/or hi-railer would be out checking just like after a flood or earth quake.

I'm a little closer to it, but we're OK. Did see the smoke on my way home. Not good. They're saying the fire started in the area between the NB and SB lanes between 138 and Cleghorn. It has made a mess of things.

Rail traffic wasn't suspended long at all. Then they started calling extra helpers to shuttle crews up and down the Pass as vehicle traffic was still cut off.

Everything today is business as usual. Well except for the thunder storm. Lightning is starting more fires and has stopped work for 15 minutes everytime there is a report of a lightning strike within 3 miles. Something new BNSF recently started using Accuweather Skyguard Lightning detection services.