Durango residents sue historic train company, accuse it of starting 416 wildfire
The Denver Post
Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post
Durango and Silverton residents have filed a civil lawsuit against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Company claiming one of the company’s vintage coal-fired steam trains ignited the 416 fire, causing devastating property and business damages.
The lawsuit filed Friday in La Plata County District Court on behalf of more than a half-dozen business and homeowners seeks unspecified damages against the train company and its primary owner, Al Harper.
“We know the train is beloved in the Durango-Silverton area. It is not our intent to put them out of business. However, we believe the management of the train should be held accountable for the damages they caused, which could have easily been avoided had they acted sensibly,” plaintiff attorney Bobby Duthie of Durango wrote in an email to The Denver Post.
The Durango lawfirm of Duthie Savastano Brunbgard and Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine have joined forces to bring the lawsuit against the train company.
Patagonia’s pitch for the planet: CEO transfers ownership to combat climate change
Long before you could buy your Patagonia apparel and gear at the Snowmass Village Mall, company founder Yvon Chouinard was an avid rock climber and mountain man living in California.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Aspen and Snowmass Village make the Aspen Times’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.