Steam train causes track-side fires
 

http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2...e-28-06-10.php

Crikey!

That's not good news. :(

I hope this does not provide an excuse for limitations on steam traction to be imposed!

These steam engines still run? Steam locomotives in Brazil, the few who rescued are in museums, the rest bitter rust and the time

Back in the steam days this happened almost every day,but less often than one would think considering how many steam locos thee were.
BUT one of the problems today is that track side vegetation is not kept properly under control
At one time the track gangs(Ganger & platelayers)used to cut the grass on their length.

Yes steam Locomotives still run in preservation on enthusiasts specials.
And there are many "private" steam railways (see a couple below)
http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/
http://www.svr.co.uk/

I have known track side fires caused by sparks off a train whilst braking also discarded(litter) glass bottles can also cause fires.

I've seen sites and stayed until half "beast" because in Brazil, the maximum that you can find private railroad railway is used for loading; schist

Maybe spark arresters should be fitted to express locos since the bill for damping down these lineside fires would soon make the trips un-economical!!??

I think the particularly dry weather recently hasn't helped. I don't think this is a common occurrence these days?

Spark arresters are fitted to all mainline registered steam locos. The reason for Bittern's withdrawal from traffic recently was to check that the spark arrester fitted was doing the job after a series of fires on routes she had been on.

Best wishes,

John H-T.