Police are investigating as arson a fire that destroyed The Red Bridge between the Canadian City of Kamloops and the community of Tkemlúps te Secwépemc.
Fire responders battled the blaze on Thursday last week, but the structure was engulfed in flames and completely destroyed.
Kamloops Royal Canadian Mounted Police are treating the incident as suspicious, noting that it was the second fire on the bridge in as many days.
The Red Bridge had one span with a Howe truss design and was a rare example of this. The approaches are stringer spans with wooden bents. It dates from the early years of the 20th century.
The City of Kamloops council acknowledged the loss of the iconic structure which was a symbol of the relationship between the two communities. It also provided reassurance that drinking water quality was not compromised by the incident. Owing to the risk of falling and floating debris, it has closed nearby boat launches. And it has asked drivers to use alternative routes and to anticipate delays.
