Historic Red Bridge in Kamloops Completely Destroyed by Devastating Fire
In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Red Bridge in Kamloops has been reduced to ashes following a fierce fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning. The blaze, which started between 3:00 and 3:15 a.m., rapidly engulfed the nearly 90-year-old wooden structure, leading to its collapse into the South Thompson River.
The Red Bridge, a vital link connecting the City of Kamloops with the Tk’emlúps Indian Band’s Reserve and industrial park, has long been a cherished piece of local heritage. Constructed in 1936, it also served as a crucial alternative route to the Yellowhead Highway and the North Thompson District. Its loss is a significant blow to the community, both for its historical value and its functional role in local transportation.
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Initial reports indicate that the fire started on the north side of the bridge and swiftly spread across the span, completely consuming it within an hour. By 4:15 a.m., the bridge had crumbled into the river below, a scene visible from downtown Kamloops. This devastating incident follows a smaller fire earlier in the week that had temporarily closed the bridge while damage assessments were conducted.
The cause of this latest fire remains undetermined, and authorities are still investigating whether it might have been deliberately set. The Kamloops Fire Department and other emergency services were on the scene, working to control the situation and prevent further damage. However, the destruction was so extensive that the bridge could not be saved.
This catastrophic event has prompted the City of Kamloops to advise drivers to use Highway 5 as an alternative route, given that the bridge is no longer passable. The loss of the Red Bridge will undoubtedly impact local traffic patterns and access to key areas, and it will take time for the community to adapt to these changes.
The Red Bridge’s destruction marks the end of an era for Kamloops, and the community is left to mourn the loss of a landmark that has stood as a symbol of connectivity and heritage for nearly a century. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, residents and officials alike are grappling with the aftermath of this significant loss.
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