there was no way to do any type of rescue and things. so basically it was just let the fire bush out, and contain it to that area of the wreckage. >> but it's not that simple. the bridge is supported by a steel structure encased in reinforcing layers of concrete. and as the fire radiates intense heat, the concrete begins to break down and melt. >> it was splattering kind of like a grease fire. actually concrete breaking loose and liquefying at a boiling point, which is also dangerous in that area. >> then you just had the steel beams exposed. the unexposed steel beams on the bottom side of the bridge were actually taking the majority, taking the brunt of the heat. >> and firefighters are aware that the steel beams holding up the bridge can't take this kind of punishment for long. >> knowing that gasoline burns at about 1,807 degrees, and the