The Red Bridge, a historic landmark in Kamloops, B.C., was completely destroyed by a fire police are treating as suspicious early Thursday morning.
Kamloops RCMP noted, in a news release, said the fire is the second one on the bridge in as many days and that investigators are treating it as suspicious.
"We are and will continue to work closely with our fire investigators and partners to establish how the fire began and if criminality was involved," Supt. James Pelley, the officer in charge of the Kamloops RCMP said in a news release.
"We’re asking residents who may have been in the area at the time to please reach out to police if they saw anything suspicious, and to please check their security and dash camera footage to see if anything was captured that could be related to this incident.”
Photo submitted by Jenette Ziegler.
Katie Neustaeter, a city councillor, described the loss of the bridge as "shocking and devastating" while thanking firefighters for their work trying to mitigate the impacts of the blaze.
"This iconic and beloved landmark was also a vital piece of provincial infrastructure for our city," she said in a Facebook post.
"Council and city staff will share more information when it is available."
Photo submitted by Jenette Ziegler.
Police and city officials are asking people to stay away from the scene. Some city boat launches have been closed due to the risk of floating debris.
This is a developing story. More to come.
Photo submitted by Jenette Ziegler.
Impact of the Fire
The Red Bridge's destruction has caused significant disruption to the community, impacting transportation, access to services, and emotional ties to the landmark.
The bridge was a crucial link between Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, providing access to the Tk’emlúps Indian Band’s Reserve and industrial park, as well as an alternative route to the Yellowhead Highway and North Thompson District.
The loss of the bridge will have a lasting impact on the city and the nearby community.
Immediate and Future Challenges
The City of Kamloops has issued an advisory to residents, urging them to stay out of the South Thompson and Thompson Rivers and away from the river's edge due to the risk of floating debris.
Several closures have been put into effect, including all City boat launches (Pioneer Park, Valleyview, and McArthur Island Park), Pioneer Park, Rivers Trail between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park, and Riverside Park pier.
The city is also working on determining the best path forward for rebuilding the bridge, considering the historical significance of the Red Bridge and the importance of its role in the community.
Community Response and Mourning
The fire and subsequent collapse of the Red Bridge have deeply affected the community of Kamloops. Many residents have expressed their sadness and disbelief at the loss of this iconic landmark.
Local leaders and residents have expressed their grief and shared memories of the Red Bridge, emphasizing its historical significance and its role in connecting the communities.
The City of Kamloops has declared a state of emergency due to the destruction of the Red Bridge and is working with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to assess the impact on the community.
Moving Forward
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with authorities aiming to determine the cause and if criminality was involved.
The community is coming together to support each other and to plan for the future.
The Red Bridge, though gone, will forever remain a part of the history of Kamloops.
What Happens Next?
The aftermath of the Red Bridge fire will be a complex process, but the community has shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The city and nearby community will work together to rebuild and reconnect, keeping the spirit of the Red Bridge alive. The investigation will continue, with authorities aiming to bring justice if any wrongdoing is discovered.
As the investigation progresses, we will learn more about the cause of the fire and what the future holds for the bridge.
The Red Bridge may be gone, but its legacy and the strength of the community it connected will live on.
