Video shows historic bridge in Kamloops, B.C., collapsing after fire

### Historic Bridge in Kamloops, B.C., Collapses After Fire

The Red Bridge, a historic landmark in Kamloops, B.C., was completely destroyed by a fire police are treating as suspicious early Thursday morning. Videos and photos posted on social media show the bridge engulfed in flames before it collapsed into the river below around 3:30 a.m.

Kamloops RCMP noted that the fire is the second one on the bridge in as many days and that investigators are treating it as suspicious. Supt. James Pelley, the officer in charge of Kamloops RCMP, said in a news release that they are working closely with fire investigators and partners to determine how the fire started and whether criminality was involved.

Katie Neustaeter, a city councillor, described the incident as "shocking and devastating" and thanked the firefighters for their efforts to control the blaze. The Red Bridge, which was an iconic and beloved landmark as well as a vital piece of provincial infrastructure for the city, is now lost.

In a statement on behalf of the city council, Stephen Karpuk, the deputy mayor, said that the loss of the bridge is deeply felt by the City of Kamloops and the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, which was connected to the city by the bridge. They are committed to working with their neighbors to determine the best way forward for their mutual benefit.

The 1,200-foot wooden truss bridge was built in 1936.