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

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 …