Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Michael Reeve

RED BRIDGE FIRE

Red Bridge fire deemed suspicious, investigation expected to be challenging

Sep 19, 2024 | 12:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — An overnight fire has destroyed a historic landmark in Kamloops, with the 88-year-old Red Bridge erupting into flames and collapsing into the South Thompson River below.

“When they got here, it was pretty fully involved already. It moved very fast. The bridge itself was compromised so they weren’t able to get out onto the bridge decking and had to attack the fire from the end,” said Kamloops Fire Rescue Chief Ken Uzeloc. “Of course, as you can see here behind me, we are still smoldering on the decking. We are having to hit it from down below, which isn’t as effective as if we are able to get up close.”

The bridge was completed in 1936, being the third wooden truss bridge built in that location, dating back to 1887.

A fire earlier this week under the Red Bridge was confined to a small section under the north side. Thursday’s blaze is believed to have started in the middle and top of the bridge.

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“It will be a difficult origin-and-cause investigation because most of that span is in the water and potentially floating down river. But (the fire is) definitely suspicious in nature at this point. We will be working with our partners at the RCMP to go through and do the investigation as best we can,” added Uzeloc.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

The historic bridge provided a key and, in a way, symbolic link between Kamloops and Tk’emlups.

“I think it will really be important to honour that history and that connection because it really is a connection between the city and Tk’emlups, but it’s also about looking at what we are going to be doing together. For one, I’m really grateful and appreciate the excellent relationship we have with the municipality. But I know we are going to be working quite hard to have something put back up but also something that honours the past,” said Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

While work and conversations are already underway from Tk’emlups, the City of Kamloops and the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, those at Pioneer park Thursday morning were at a loss for words.

“I don’t know how to explain something like this. It’s been here for so long and It’s such an iconic structure,” said Tony Brummel.

“It’s such a classic, iconic landmark, so to see something like that go up in flames, it’s quite a tragic thing. (I) used to drive over this quite frequently to go over to the other side — just sad we can’t do that anymore. Just an old, classic piece of history for the city,” said Alexander Markin.

Fire crews will be on both sides of the bridge for several hours Thursday, monitoring the still-smoldering pilings and debris.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds