Unattended Campfire Blamed for Bridge Fire, Collapse in Lincoln

Investigators determine cause of early morning incident that destroyed railroad bridge

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Fire investigators have determined that an unattended campfire was the cause of a fire that burned part of a railroad bridge in Lincoln, Nebraska, leading to the bridge's collapse early Monday morning. The fire was called in around 3:45am, with the bridge that carries the Union Pacific rail line burning along Salt Creek east of Sun Valley Boulevard. The bridge collapsed around 5:30am, and fire crews were later called back shortly after 10am about a rekindling of the fire. There were no reports of injuries, but the bridge was considered a total loss.

Why it matters

The collapse of the railroad bridge has disrupted rail traffic and transportation in the Lincoln area, as the bridge was a critical piece of infrastructure. Unattended campfires can pose a serious fire risk, especially in dry conditions, and this incident highlights the need for greater fire safety awareness and prevention measures.

The details

According to fire investigators, an unattended campfire was the cause of the fire that burned part of the railroad bridge. The fire was first reported around 3:45am on Monday, with the bridge that carries the Union Pacific rail line burning along Salt Creek. The bridge then collapsed around 5:30am. Fire crews were called back to the scene shortly after 10am to address a rekindling of the fire. While there were no reports of injuries, the bridge was considered a total loss.

  • The fire was called in around 3:45am on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The bridge collapsed around 5:30am on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Fire crews were called back to the scene shortly after 10am on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Lincoln Fire and Rescue

The fire department that responded to the fire and collapse of the railroad bridge.

Union Pacific

The railroad company that owns the bridge that collapsed.

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What they’re saying

“Fire investigators late Tuesday afternoon released the cause as an 'unattended campfire'.”

— Lincoln Fire and Rescue (KFOR News)

What’s next

The railroad company and local authorities will work to assess the damage and determine the next steps for rebuilding or replacing the collapsed bridge.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance when using campfires or other open flames, especially in areas with critical infrastructure like bridges. It also highlights the potential disruptions that can occur when such infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.