Kamloops' Historic Red Bridge Destroyed by Fire: Updates on Damage and Reopening

The blaze broke out at around 3:00 am this morning, appearing to have started on the north side of the bridge and quickly spreading across the South Thompson River. By 4:30 am, the southern end of the bridge was still fully engulfed, and by 5:00 am, flames were still visible from the Radio NL Studios at 6th and Lansdowne but had gone down considerably.

Firefighters Battle the Blaze

Kamloops Fire Rescue responded to the fire with four trucks and 16 firefighters. Platoon Captain, Sheldon Guertin, confirmed that no nearby buildings have been affected, but urged people to stay away from the area, including Pioneer Park and the River's Trail.

The Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation

Captain Guertin said it is too early to speculate on the cause of the fire, including whether arson is a possibility. The investigation is ongoing.

The Red Bridge Closure and Updates

The Red Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday morning after the fire caused damage to its southern support beams. DriveBC initially announced that the bridge would remain closed until Wednesday, but later updated its information, stating that the bridge is open to pedestrian traffic only. The bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic until Wednesday. The next update on the bridge's status is due at 9:00 am Wednesday.

Repercussions of the Fire

The fire has left Kamloops residents shocked and concerned about the future of this historic landmark. The Red Bridge is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and its closure will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the community. The bridge is a key transportation route for many, and its closure has caused major disruptions for commuters. Additionally, the bridge is a significant part of Kamloops' history and culture, and its destruction has left many feeling a sense of loss.

Looking Ahead

The full extent of the damage to the Red Bridge is still being assessed, and it is unclear how long it will take to repair or rebuild. The community is awaiting updates from the authorities regarding the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage, and the future of the bridge. While it is too early to say what the future holds, the Red Bridge is a beloved part of Kamloops, and residents are hopeful that it will be restored to its former glory.