Terry E. Toller
Well-known member
A few days ago, we had a major fire here in Sacramento. about 1,300 feet of a Union Pacific railroad trestle burned to the ground. strangly, fully involved before the FD arrived. Here is how local TV reported it.
One reporter who I respect and has been reporting for the same station for at least 25 years said at least 50 times, "This trellis fire..." TRELLIS? most of the other reporters and anchors called it a trustle...
A helicopter pilot who also has years of experience said (to the effect) "I can tell you from my many years of experience that when those railroad tracks buckled up, that is absolutely proof that there was a major explosion? No, whey went up because of the heat...
Another reporter reported that he had been informed that there was a pipeline under the 'trustle' that moves gasoline. And, he was correct. However, he blew it when he said that all the black smoke was proof that the pipeline ruptured and the gasoline was burning... I am sure all you photogs know that those giant timbers are soaked with creosote (sp?) which is oil based...
The best of all was a reporter talking about two fire boats on the river keeping a bridge from burning. He actually said, "One of the boats is leaving now. He has been here a long time so he must be out of water". I kid you not!!!
I know reporters are 'supposed' to be educated but what up?!
One reporter who I respect and has been reporting for the same station for at least 25 years said at least 50 times, "This trellis fire..." TRELLIS? most of the other reporters and anchors called it a trustle...
A helicopter pilot who also has years of experience said (to the effect) "I can tell you from my many years of experience that when those railroad tracks buckled up, that is absolutely proof that there was a major explosion? No, whey went up because of the heat...
Another reporter reported that he had been informed that there was a pipeline under the 'trustle' that moves gasoline. And, he was correct. However, he blew it when he said that all the black smoke was proof that the pipeline ruptured and the gasoline was burning... I am sure all you photogs know that those giant timbers are soaked with creosote (sp?) which is oil based...
The best of all was a reporter talking about two fire boats on the river keeping a bridge from burning. He actually said, "One of the boats is leaving now. He has been here a long time so he must be out of water". I kid you not!!!
I know reporters are 'supposed' to be educated but what up?!