Arson Fire Destroys Historic Train Trestle

BLACKDUCK, Minn. (AP) — Investigators believe someone set the fire that burned a historic wooden bridge in Beltrami County.

The 700-foot-long trestle bridge, built 113 years ago, was originally a rail link between Bemidji and International Falls. In recent years, it has been part of the Blue Ox recreational trail.

Blackduck Fire Chief Troy Gabrelcik tells Minnesota Public Radio News that residents are devastated by the loss of an important local attraction. It's known as Minnesota's longest wooden trestle bridge and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places last year. Fire destroyed about 200 feet of the bridge Monday.