Fire damage suspected in collapse of bridge over Colorado River in western Arizona

A bridge over the Colorado River in western Arizona collapsed Tuesday after sustaining damage in a wildfire, authorities said.

Multiple federal agencies are working to implement safety measures in the area after a section of the Hart Mine Road Bridge in Cibola, near the Arizona-California border, fell into the river.

“We are asking all pedestrians, motorists and boaters to avoid the area at this time. With debris in the water and ongoing assessments underway, staying clear of the site is essential for everyone’s safety,” Chris Wallis, resource management office chief for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, said in a press release.

The Bureau of Reclamation owns the small bridge, which crosses the Colorado River in the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in La Paz County.

Why did bridge over Colorado River collapse?

Reclamation officials believe the bridge collapsed because it was structurally damaged by the Island Fire, which started in the wildlife refuge on Saturday night and was 65% contained as of Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Hart Mine Road Bridge is mainly used for access to the refuge and local farm-to-farm travel. Hart Mine Road does not reach the Arizona-California border.

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