The Kamloops RCMP says arson is suspected after the second of two fires in as many days destroyed the city’s historic Red Bridge.
Police say Kamloops and Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP officers were called to assist fire crews around 3:30 a.m. Thursday at the bridge, but that wasn’t the first time that week.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, another fire was reported shortly before 7 a.m.
Mounties are unsure if the two fires were related, but they say early investigations indicate that the bridge was intentionally set on fire.
“The Red Bridge was an important and historic part of our community’s infrastructure; it is extremely disheartening to think that it was purposely destroyed,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment’s Officer in Charge.
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The RCMP is asking residents to check security and dashcam footage and to please report anything suspicious they may have observed in or around the waterways and shoreline on the days leading up to the fire.
“You may have observed something that seemed out of place or stood out, which could now be relevant to advancing our investigation into what is believed to have been a criminal act,” added Supt. Pelley.
“It’s very important that anyone in the community who has any information which could be related to the Red Bridge fire, please share it with police as soon as possible.”
If you have video or information to share, you can contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 or Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment at 250-314-1800 and reference file 2024-31206.