The tragedy that had its roots some seventy years earlier with the introduction of the tamarisk plant. An ornamental imported to the United States from the Mediterranean the tamarisk spread up the rivers cloaking the banks of the Colorado and other western rivers. An aggressive plant the tamarisk quickly overtook native species and became a dominate force on the river.

Around the Dewey Bridge tamarisk grew quite thickly. Periodically Boy Scout troups, church youth Groups, and other civic clubs would clear the brush away from the bridge. However for several years this had not been done.

Recent activities to tame the tamarisk population had resulted in numerous dead plants throughout the river area. Systematic removal had began along the river but the plants surrounding the Dewey Bridge had not been removed. When a fire at a near by campsite got out of control the river winds carried the flames up river towards the bridge. The dead foliage ignited quickly and drew the flame onto the bridge where the creosote covered wood ignited.

By the time crews arrived to fight the blaze the bridge was beyond saving. All that remained were the few charred boards and the metal support structure.

The tragedy of the Dewey Bridge's destruction deeply grieves the people of Moab and Grand County. The ghostly skeleton reminds us of how fragile the past can be and why we must endeavor to protect and preserve our history.