Scenic railroad plans to resume full service near Durango

A scenic railroad that runs through the southwestern Colorado mountains is planning to resume coal-fired steam engine service after shutting down last month because of fire restrictions.

The Durango Herald reports the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad aims to start full service Thursday after it suspended operations June 1 for a fire in the San Juan National Forest.

La Plata County commissioners are expected to consider Wednesday downgrading fire restrictions that banned coal-fired steam engines.

General manager John Harper says the tourist attraction will work with local agencies to make sure it’s safe to run the coal-fired engines.

Harper says 150 employees were furloughed because of the closure, which he estimated caused an economic loss of about $33 million to the area.