Fire takes out key route connecting Cibola to Yuma

CIBOLA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A fire has destroyed the Oxbow Bridge in Cibola, a key route many locals used to get to Yuma.

The wooden bridge collapsed Friday after flames swept through the area, burning at least five acres. It was the fastest way out of town for groceries, appointments, and visiting family.

"It adds probably a 20-minute time frame driving around through the different ways to try to get over to that side," said Carissa Rosenfeld, a local and member of Friends of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. She was nearby when the fire broke out.

Now, people face longer drives and rising gas costs and safety is also a concern. Debris from the bridge is still floating in the river.

"The debris in the water does cause hazards to boaters and to people that like to enjoy floating down the river," Rosenfeld added.

County leaders say they're trying to secure state emergency funding to begin recovery.

"Trying to acquire funding that's gonna help remove and do the recovery efforts, and we're hoping that through the state, through the governor we can tap into some emergency funding to help out with that," said La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin.

A top priority is marking the area to protect boaters.

"We're in desperate need of trying to acquire some buoys that we can at least stretch across, from one side of where the bridge is in the water to the other, so we can bring awareness," Irwin said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Until the bridge is rebuilt, detours and delays will continue.