ADEL, Iowa — An overnight fire caused significant damage to the Raccoon River Valley Trail bridge on the east side of Adel. KCCI-TV reports officials with the Adel Fire Department said the fire was still smoldering Monday morning, but it was basically out. Crews were first called to the scene around 2 a.m. and found the east end of the bridge fully engulfed. No damage estimate has been determined, nor has a cause been publicly released. The fire is still under investigation.

“The bridge sustained significant damage and is currently unsafe for use,” according to a news release from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. “It is important to note that this section of the trail was already closed for scheduled maintenance and improvements.”

Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page photo (5-12-25)

Curt Cable, director of the Dallas County Conservation Board, said the fire happened on a “vital stretch to the Raccoon River Valley Trail,” a 72-mile loop within 89 miles of paved trails connecting 14 central Iowa towns. The bridge, known as the “Lighted Bridge,” was closed several months last year for renovations. The $500,000 project included upgrades to the deck and railings, along with new pavement approaching the bridge.