DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The historic bridges of Madison County are on film again - and all the time.
Hidden surveillance cameras will monitor activity at all six bridges around the clock to discourage arson fires that destroyed one bridge and damaged another during the past five years.
"We have to do everything we can to protect the bridges. We don't want to lose another one," said Todd Hagan, a county engineering and president of the Madison County Bridge Preservation Association.
Bob Weeks, a county supervisor, said details of how the surveillance system works are being kept under wraps.
A 2002 fire destroyed the Cedar Bridge. A replica was built in its place. A fire in 2003 damaged the Hogback bridge. A month after that, a fire caused heavy damage to the farmhouse known as "Francesca's house" in the movie.
Sheriff Paul Welch said all three fires were believed to be arson. All three remain under investigation.
