History buffs and lovers of romance novels are mourning the loss of a wooden structure in southwest Iowa. One of Winterset’s historic covered bridges burned last night and authorities say the fire is suspicious. A passer-by called the Madison County Sheriff’s Office about 8:30 to report the Cedar Bridge was on fire. Madison County Chamber of Commerce director Don Menken says he got a “huge lump in his throat” when he heard the news.Menken says someone burned down the McBride Covered Bridge almost 20 years ago, in October of 1983. That arsonist was caught and Menken is hoping the culprit of last night’s torching is caught, too. The Cedar Bridge did not “play a role” in “The Bridges of Madison County” book or movie.Menken says the only connection is the Cedar Bridge is pictured on the cover of the book. Menken says the Cedar Bridge has gotten lots of attention, though as the Cedar Bridge was the only covered bridge in Madison County vehicles could cross. After the book was released, Oprah Winfrey taped one of her t-v shows at the Cedar Bridge. There are now just five covered bridges left in Madison County. The County Board of Supervisors is meeting at this hour with insurance agents to review the policy on the bridge. The bridge was built in 1883 and was restored in 1998 at a cost of 128-thousand dollars. The Cedar Bridge, along with the five remaining bridges, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cause of the fire is under investigation.