The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fire that started between Columbus and Hallowell early Sunday morning.

At 3:39 a.m., deputies and the Columbus Fire Department were dispatched to an area near Southwest 82^nd and Hallowell Road.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that a railroad trestle was engulfed in flames.

In addition, an area of dead vegetation had also burned along the railroad right-of-way, owned by Southeast Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad.

Preliminary damage / repair estimates to the trestle are in excess of $150,000.00.

At this time, the Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine if the fire was intentionally set or not.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (620)-429-3992 or (620)-848-3000.

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