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CHAMA 鈥� The chug-chug and whistle of America鈥檚 largest steam-operated railway usually returns here Memorial Day weekend. However, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad announced Tuesday it will postpone reopening for one week due to severe wildfire risk.

The railroad was scheduled to open Saturday, but will now reopen Tuesday, June 9, 鈥渄ue to severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger across the region.鈥�

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission 鈥� which oversees five historic steam locomotives that crisscross a picturesque, 64-mile route between Chama and Antonito, Colorado 鈥� voted to delay the opening at a recent emergency meeting.

鈥淲ith deep respect for the land, forests, and communities where we operate, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission made the difficult decision to delay the start of our season,鈥� said Mark Graybill, a Colorado commissioner for the railway.

Coal-fired steam engines like the ones the railway operates can increase wildfire risk because they emit sparks, embers and hot exhaust that can ignite dry vegetation.

Many parts of New Mexico remain under burning restrictions amid red-flag conditions contributing to several active wildfires throughout the state this week, including the 15,857-acre Seven Cabins Fire northeast of Ruidoso.

The 2018 416 Fire was attributed to a coal-fired train that had been operating on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, prompting a lawsuit from business owners and local residents.

A scientific article published last July also  and why historic locomotives can present risks amid drought conditions, which have intensified in New Mexico this spring due to low snowpack.

Ticket holders were informed directly of the delay, for which they can either seek full refunds or rebook for a later date.

鈥淭his was a difficult decision because the railroad is vital to the Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico economies and our mission is to preserve and share this important part of history,鈥� said Eric Mason, CEO of the C&TS. 鈥淲e are committed to operating responsibly and safely within the remarkable landscape we have called home since 1880. We thank our passengers for their understanding and hope they will visit us when we resume normal operations.鈥�

John Miller is the sa国际传媒官网网页入口鈥檚 northern New Mexico correspondent. He can be reached at jmiller@abqjournal.com.