Arson suspected in Kamloops, B.C., fire that destroyed Red Bridge

Kamloops RCMP say they are investigating the fire that destroyed the Red Bridge Thursday as an arson. 

The fire broke out in the early morning, fully engulfing the bridge before causing it to collapse into the South Thompson River.  

"The investigation is still in its very early stages, but we do believe the Red Bridge was intentionally set on fire, and we are treating it as arson," Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said in a news release.

The 88-year-old wooden truss bridge connected the City of Kamloops with the Tk'emlúps Indian Band reserve and an industrial park across the South Thompson River. According to the City of Kamloops, the bridge was an important cultural site signifying the ties between the two communities.

The current bridge is the third wooden truss bridge at the site. According to the city, the first was built in 1887, then rebuilt once in 1912 and again in 1936. Since then, the bridge has served as a key artery into the city. Two kilometres east of it, Highway 5 runs a parallel bridge across the river.

Kamloops Fire and Rescue told CBC News Thursday they were called to the bridge at about 3:10 a.m. PT, where firefighters found the bridge already in flames. It collapsed into the river shortly afterwards. No injuries were reported. 

The City of Kamloops is asking residents to stay away from the bridge and the river's edge downstream of the bridge, where there's a risk of falling or floating debris. The city closed Pioneer Park, Riverside Park, the Rivers Trail between the parks and all city boat launches.

"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," Pelley said. 

Thursday's fire was the second fire on the bridge in two days. On Tuesday, at about 6:45 a.m. PT, police say a minor fire started on the bridge, which was temporarily closed. Pelley said it's not yet clear if the two fires are related.

Kamloops RCMP are working with fire investigators, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Tk'emlúps Rural RCMP, the RCMP's General Investigations Support Team and Forensic Identification Unit. 

Police are asking anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity near the water or have any information to contact Kamloops RCMP.  

In an email to CBC News Thursday, B.C. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming said the ministry is working to study the fire's impact on the bridge and figure out plans to restore the area. 

He added once the ministry understands the full extent of the damage, it will sit down with the city and Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc to decide if it will be rebuilt.