While not strictly a rail preservation item (off topic?) I can't help but feel that this could have an impact on the BSFSRR. I hate to hear this as the town is very much part of the "experience".

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/b ... ding-Burns

ETA

I posted photos in the Big South Fork Scenic 0-6-0 #14 thread:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28750&start=0

The railroad and the town (historic district) are both operated by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation. This fire WILL have a significant effect on the MCHF. The railroad will continue to operate as per normal, but behind the scenes the fire is sapping all the resources and then some.

I'm sure that the MCHF and the people of McCreary County will find a way to restore the structures, but it will be a long difficult time for the railway.

Photo of fire in progress:
http://mccrearyrecord.com/local/x333933 ... -in-Flames

Photo of aftermath
http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/Hist ... ml?ref=885

Video:
http://www.lex18.com/news/historic-buil ... tyPhoto/0/

Judging by the photos the single restaraunt section has severe damage and the theater building has moderate fire damage in the roof but might be salvageable.

Quoting one story:
----

"By 3 a.m., the fire had been contained within Store 3, sparing the rest of the block. Firefighters stayed on hand until 6:30 a.m. and returned several times throughout Sunday to prevent a re-ignition.

With two shops largely undamaged on the block along with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot, McCreary County Museum, and Stearns General Store unaffected, officials made the decision to open those businesses as scheduled.

“We felt we needed to keep some sense of normalcy to maintain the morale of the community as well as ourselves,” said Foundation Vice President Becki Egnew. “Our plans now are to stabilize the complex as best we can as we work with our state and federal contacts to begin moving forward.”

Egnew said that it appears that the complex — which includes the restaurant, old theatre, Store 1, Store 3 and the basement-level McCreary Heritage Hall — survived the fire structurally, albeit with extensive roof and water damage. She commended the firefighters for their efforts.

“We honor every fire department in the county for the miraculous job they did,” Egnew said. “No one should doubt their ability. We also appreciate the community support we have received, starting with the people who came out Saturday night. The words of encouragement — that the community appreciates what we’re trying to do [preserve local history] — mean so much.”

That support was needed again yesterday as the iconic Stearns sign atop Store 1 was taken down until the restoration can begin.

According to Crabtree-Wilson Insurance Agency, an adjuster is due to inspect the damage today. However, Stearns officials acknowledge that insurance won’t likely be enough to cover the cost of rebuilding.

A “Friends of Stearns” fund has been established at both the Bank of McCreary County and Forcht Bank.

Sorry Mark, I missed your post and just wanted to make sure the news made it out. Hate it for them.

ETA