Bridge Collapse in La Paz County
A bridge crucial for the Chibola community in La Paz County collapsed on Friday following a rapid fire that swept through the area, disrupting travel routes for the residents.
Now, the community is experiencing extended travel times, and immediate exchanges are on hold. Authorities indicate that the rebuilding process for the bridge may take some time.
Those headed to the Oxbow Wildlife Reserve or Tibola National Wildlife Reserve will have to take River Bridge Road Crossing, located about four miles northeast of the collapsed Oxbow Bridge.
The Oxbow Bridge was vital, linking Cibola to California and offering a shortcut to Yuma.
Fire officials reported that the fire ignited on the Arizona side, although the specific cause is still under investigation. Firefighters managed to control the blaze before it spread further, yet it completely engulfed the wooden bridge.
A cell phone video recorded by Carissa Rosenfeld and her husband captures the bridge ablaze. She mentions that the railing began to give way within an hour, and shortly after, the center of the bridge fell into the Colorado River.
“We called 911, making sure no one crossed the bridge, just in case they were unaware,” Rosenfeld stated.
As part of her work with a nonprofit supporting the Tibola National Wildlife Refuge, she expressed that the fire impact is devastating. Reports indicate that a section of the bridge now lies at the bottom of the river with debris floating downstream.
“It doesn’t seem to matter, yet it’s one of our primary routes to Yuma,” she added.
The Bureau of Land Management noted that at least five acres of vegetation were consumed in the fire. Various agencies are investigating the incident.
La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin mentioned that this isn’t the first time the Oxbow Bridge has faced destruction; it experienced a fire over 20 years ago. She reassured that the county is committed to rebuilding it.
“To rebuild this bridge, we need to work with different agencies. I’m unsure how long it will take. We are assessing our next steps,” Irwin said.
While reconstruction remains a priority, the county supervisors emphasized that the immediate task is to focus on cleaning up and removing debris. Buoys have been placed in the river to indicate submerged hazards, and the Bureau of Land Management is advising boaters to steer clear of the area and watch out for floating debris.
