It is time for Al Harper to take responsibility for his greedy and irresponsible decision to keep the coal-fired train running. The train should have been stopped when we began the “exceptional drought” status, or even before.
Throwing coal embers into our beautiful national forests is extremely irresponsible and dangerous under these drought conditions. Look at the wildlife you’ve displaced or killed, the residents you’ve displaced and put in danger and the beautiful forests you’ve destroyed. And all because of your greed.
You should have put on your diesel engines months ago when the drought started. I know they won’t haul as many cars, so either run more trains or just don’t haul as many people.
So far, you haven’t taken responsibility for your disastrous decision, but the people who live around where the fire started are 100 percent sure the train started the fire. These conscientious people have put out many fires from the train before and saved your butt on many occasions ... and protected our forests, wildlife and residents. Thanks to them, we have averted disaster numerous times.
I realize the train brings revenue to the city and employs numerous residents, but none of that’s worth disrupting the lives of so many, putting their lives in danger and destroying our beautiful forests.
It is time for you to take responsibility for your action and write a check for the full amount you’ve cost us and the government for this disastrous fire.
John Schrage
Durango
