The Red Bridge in Kamloops is reflected on the still waters of the South Thompson River in this undated photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Peter Olsen
September 20, 2024 - 6:00 AM
Some members of the Kamloops community are mourning the loss of a heritage bridge that was destroyed by fire Thursday and they're sharing memories and photographs on social media.
One of four bridges in Kamloops, the Red Bridge was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters go the scene just after 3 a.m. on Sept. 19.
“It’s a shame to lose it, it held a lot of good memories," long-time Kamloops resident Jason White said.
Built in 1936, the Red Bridge was a 1,200-foot long wooden Howe truss road bridge with four wooden piers that spanned the South Thompson River and holds historical, cultural and economic values, according to the City of Kamloops website, and it has nostalgia attached to it too.
“When we were kids we’d go to Pioneer Park at lunch time or to skip school,” White said. “We ended up watching the older kids jumping off that bridge and when we got up the nerve, we’d jump off the top of it.
“If you grew up in Kamloops, it was definitely something to do, walk, climb and jump off it. Our parents wouldn’t be happy if they found out what we were up to.”
This blue sky photo of Kamloops' Red Bridge was taken in 2015.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Pat Crawford
White grew up playing rugby and running across the Red Bridge was part of the team’s strength training program.
Kamloops resident Arlene Watson commented on the loss of the bridge in a social media post on Sept. 19: "In the 70s, 80s that was more than just a bridge. Into ashes goes decades of countless memories of love, adventure, spontaneity, and yes bumpy rides in the station wagon loaded with groceries (when we drove over the actual wooden boards/bolts). Was never just a bridge."
The Red Bridge was the third wooden truss bridge built at the site with the first version, called the Government Bridge, built in 1887. The second bridge was built in 1912 and the third in 1936.
The bridge connected Kamloops to the Tk'emlúps Indian Band Reserve and pioneer farming and ranching settlements along the North Thompson River for 125 years. They were once crossed by horse and wagons and later vehicle traffic, connecting the downtown area to the industrial section located on reserve land.
"This is a tremendously sad day for Kamloops and those who loved the Red Bridge," deputy mayor and city councillor Stephen Karpuk said.
"The impact will be felt immediately, both emotionally and physically. We ask for patience and calm as we process the events and determine the path forward. Our hearts and hands go out to our friends and neighbours at Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc as well. Patience and reflection, kindness and hope are the virtues we need today. We will get through this."
READ MORE: Why a CN railroad bridge in Kamloops has two tall towers
The Red Bridge in Kamloops is a silhouette in front of a sunset in 2023.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Lorie Cook
Three spans of the Red Bridge were destroyed by the early morning fire and pieces of its remains could be seen floating down the South Thompson and Thompson Rivers.
The fire came days after a smaller fire damaged the under side on the Tk'emlups side of the bridge, and both fires are deemed suspicious by Kamloops RCMP.
Parts of the Red Bridge in Kamloops are pictured in this undated sunset photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Travis Bonner
A sunset glows behind the Red Bridge in Kamloops in 2020.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Yanina Yaretz
A layer of ice can be seen on the South Thompson River under the Red Bridge in this undated photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Travis Bonner
Kamloops' Red Bridge is seen from afar in 2023.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Lorie Cook
This stunning photo of Kamloops' Red Bridge was snapped in 2022.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Alicja Holm
The Red Bridge in Kamloops is seen smoking after burning down on Sept. 19.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Peter Olsen
The Red Bridge in Kamloops is pictured burning down on Sept. 19.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Brian Hadwin
Kamloops' Red Bridge is in flames early in the morning on Sept. 19.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Houston Reilly
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