Railroad To Pay $300,000 Over 2010 Wildfire
DENVER (AP) - Federal prosecutors say the Royal Gorge Route Railroad has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle allegations that it caused a wildfire that burned more than 600 acres in June 2010.
Prosecutors said Monday the railroad company is settling without admitting any liability or wrongdoing.
The money is helping cover fire suppression costs.
The federal government had alleged the railroad's operation of a scenic train from Cañon City to Parkdale caused the Parkdale Canyon Fire. Prosecutors say the train didn't have working spark arresters and brake shoes, and fires broke out along the tracks after the train passed through.
News reports at the time said at least one home and a barn burned.
The railroad said in a written statement that it will continue to make safety a priority.
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