Arsonist torches historic northern MN bridge

Minnesota's longest wooden trestle bridge was set ablaze Monday morning by an arsonist.

The 701-foot wooden bridge stood for 113 years over a swamp north of Blackduck. Built originally as a rail link between Bemidji and International Falls, the bridge was used in recent years to support the Blue Ox recreational trail.

Flames destroyed 200 feet of the structure, said Blackduck Fire Chief Troy Gabrelcik, leaving the town without one of its main attractions.

"People in Blackduck are devastated," he said.

The fire call came early Monday. By the time crews arrived, the flames were 40 feet high, sending clouds of black smoke into the air. The old bridge beams were treated with creosote, which is toxic when burned, so firefighters had to keep their distance.

By the time the flames were contained, nearly a third of the bridge was damaged. The state fire marshal's office ruled the blaze an arson and is still investigating.

Gabrelcik said the bridge was a source of pride in Blackduck, a community of fewer than 800 people. It made the National Register of Historic Places last year and drew some tourists to the area.

It was also just a convenient structure. Without it, hikers and snowmobilers will have to take a several mile detour off the Blue Ox trail to avoid swampland.

It's unclear at this point if the old trestle will be rebuilt. Local snowmobile clubs spent a lot of time and money maintaining the bridge over the years. Gabrelcik said local support for a project would be strong, "but it's not really up to us."

The bridge is owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and is being handed over to the state Department of Natural Resources.