Bridge fire deemed arson

Police say the fire that destroyed the iconic Red Bridge in Kamloops is being investigated as arson.

The bridge went up in flames at around 3:25 a.m. Thursday with investigators immediately calling the blaze “suspicious.”

On Friday, commander of the Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said in a news release police believe the bridge was intentionally set on fire “based on the information and evidence reviewed so far.”

“The Red Bridge was an important and historic part of our community’s infrastructure; it is extremely disheartening to think that it was purposely destroyed,” Supt. Pelley continued. “As our police officers work in partnership with KFR in advancing this investigation, we ask the public to please reach out with any information that may be related.”

Thursday’s fire was the second at the bridge in as many days and police are still trying to determine if the two fires are linked. The first blaze was reported Tuesday, Sept. 17 at around 6:45 a.m.

Police are asking the public to report anything suspicious they may have observed in or around the waterways and shoreline on the days leading up to the fire.

“You may have observed something that seemed out of place or stood out, which could now be relevant to advancing our investigation into what is believed to have been a criminal act,” added Supt. Pelley.

“It’s very important that anyone in the community who has any information which could be related to the Red Bridge fire, please share it with police as soon as possible.”

Anyone who witnessed, has video, or information related is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 or Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment at 250-314-1800 and reference file 2024-31206.

Red Bridge was significant for its historical, cultural and economic values.

It's a wooden Howe truss road bridge built in 1936 that spans the South Thompson River and connects the City of Kamloops to the Tk'emlúps Indian Band's Reserve and industrial park. It also provides an alternative access to the Yellowhead Highway and North Thompson District.

The current bridge is the third wooden truss bridge located at this site. The first was built in 1887.