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Museum officials said that the California railroad was being closed due to an “abundance of caution.” Photo Courtesy of Railtown 1897.

UPDATE: Railtown 1897 Reopens Following Wildfire Threat

Updated: August 27, 1:20 p.m. MST

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

JAMESTOWN, Calif. — Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, the California museum that preserves the core of the iconic Sierra Railway, was suddenly closed late Thursday after a nearby wildfire forced evacuations in the communities of Jamestown and Sonora.

However, by Friday morning, thanks to the hard work of firefighters, they were able to reopen the museum to the public.

As of Friday, the Washington Fire had burned about 80 acres, according to CalFire. This fire season has been a particularly dangerous one in California and the rest of the west.

Railtown 1897 is operated by the California State Railroad Museum. The railroad has been a popular filming location for various Hollywood hits, earning the Sierra the nickname “The Movie Railroad.” The Jamestown roundhouse and maintenance facilities are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.