Kamloops RCMP believe arson is behind the famous Red Bridge burning down early Thursday morning (Sept. 19).

The historic Red Bridge in Kamloops, B.C., was destroyed in a fire early on Thursday morning. RCMP are investigating the fire as arson.

KAMLOOPS — After initially saying it was suspicious, Kamloops RCMP are now saying they suspect arson in the fire that destroyed the historic Red Bridge early Thursday morning (Sept. 19). The fire was discovered in the 3:00 a.m. hour Thursday and, despite the best efforts of Kamloops Fire Rescue responders, the bridge was quickly engulfed.

The city of Kamloops, British Columbia, was struck by tragedy as the historic Red Bridge, an 88-year-old wooden structure, was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning, leading to its collapse into the South Thompson River.

The iconic Red Bridge in Kamloops burnt down early Thursday morning, Sept. 19. According to multiple social media posts, the fire started sometime between 3 and 3:15 a.m. and completely engulfed the bridge. By 4:15 a.m., the bridge was gone, falling into the South Thompson River.

Police in Kamloops, B.C., say they have launched an arson investigation into the fire that destroyed the 88-year-old Red Bridge across the South Thompson River.