Arson suspected in fire that destroyed Kamloops’ Red Bridge

The RCMP believes the fire that destroyed the historic Red Bridge in Kamloops on Thursday was the result of arson.

Shortly before 3:30 a.m., Mounties were called to assist firefighters at the bridge; by that time, the structure was already fully engulfed in flames.

The bridge eventually collapsed and was “unfortunately completely destroyed,” the RCMP said in a press release on Friday.

“The investigation is still in a very early stage, but based on the information and evidence reviewed so far, we believe that the Red Bridge was deliberately set on fire and are treating this as arson,” said the officer in charge of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Kamloops, Supt. Jeff Pelley.

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“The Red Bridge was an important and historic part of our community’s infrastructure. The thought that it was intentionally destroyed is extremely disheartening.”

2:45
Railway bridge in Richmond catches fire and produces heavy smoke

Mounties said Thursday’s fire was the second this week. Another fire on the bridge was reported around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday. Police are investigating whether the two incidents are related.

As they investigate the fire, Kamloops Police and Fire Department are asking for tips and video footage from the area.

Anyone who observes anything suspicious in the waterway or on the shore near the bridge is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or the Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP at 250-314-1800 and reference case number 2024-31206.

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