In June, many of us called the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to task for starting the 416 Fire. The accusation caused as much furor in Durango as the fire did in the mountains.
Now, a group of impacted citizens and businesses have filed suit against the train, alleging the same thing. I cannot speak for others, but I do not feel vindicated. My chief emotion is regret. I regret the enormity of the blaze. I regret its impact on residents, businesses, the economy and air quality. I regret the impact it will have on the Animas River for years to come. I regret the forest we lost and the wildlife affected. I regret how it has divided our community.
I regret this man-made disaster from beginning to end. But most of all, I regret that corporate responsibility is found only through litigation.
John van Becay
Durango
