County may bill UP for fire costs

The county may bill the Union Pacific Railroad over costs associated with fighting a wildfire east of Rock Springs.

Two weeks ago, the county fire department was dispatched to fight a fire near Tipton Road, which was caused by UP employees grinding rails as part of maintenance work on nearby tracks.

The fire quickly expanded to more than 450 acres before being contained. Damages included power poles owned by Rocky Mountain Power, as well as railroad ties and some fencing.

While giving his report to the board of county commissioners, Commissioner Randy Wendling said fire warden Mike Bournaz...