The coaling tower did not have lightning rods, at least at the time of my last visit to Chama three years ago. At some point in time the sheave house (top of the tipple) will need some roofing and structural restoration, and that would be a good time to install lightning rods. Shouldn't be a major task, once one finds a safe way to access the elevation for repairs. I suppose that there is no great urgency since the tipple has with stood thunderstorms for over 80 years!
A pre-piped sprinkler system on the tipple would probably be unwarranted. The standpipe connection would likely still be within the collapse danger zone for the fire department. Ground directed fire streams would likely be adequate for all elevations of the tipple except for the sheave canopy.
I reiterate the merits of creating some car separation within the storage tracks of the main yard.
Simple things such as monitored automatic fire alarm systems in the major structures would be appropriate.
I don't know what the capability of the Chama FD, or the capacity of the domestic water supply could provide. Perhaps Warren Smalley has access to a current Insurance Services Office ( ISO) report.
Ideally, the water from the RR water tower could be utilized for fire protection purposes. This would require a modern, high capacity hydrant capable of feeding a Chama pumper. Similarly, it would be beneficial to assure that electrical
service to the river inlet pump was on a circuit independent of the shop building, so that pump access could be maintained during a fire in the shop.
For the last several years, FEMA money has been readily available for most any fire safety project. Unfortunately, the present federal grant programs focus mostly on firefighter and public safety purposes.
I'd agree with Greg that at some point in time, the RR Officials need to get with the Village Fire Department and do some scenario pre-plans.
On the other hand, it has been 106 years since the last major fire in the rail years, so what is the hurry?
