⛔️#RedBridge has been CLOSED in both directions due to a fire. Assessment is in progress. Use an alternate route. #Kamloops #BCHwy5

The Red Bridge in #Kamloops is on fire again 2 days after a small fire forced the temporary closure of the same crossing. This morning, parts of the bridge are falling into the river as firefighters tackle it from underneath. Witnesses say it started around 3am.

Police have blocked off the area as thick smoke and embers still shoot up into the sky at 4:38am. No word yet on how the fire may have started. It’s visible from as far away as Royal Inland Hospital where staff reported the fire to CBC at 4am.

#Kamloops Red Bridge

Just spoke with a security guard stationed at Pioneer Park since 11pm. He says the fire started before 3am and he suspects it was deliberately set. Nothing confirmed yet by emergency crews on site. Several Ministry of Transportation trucks here now.

Was on the scene of the Red Bridge Fire early this morning about 30 minutes after it was reported. The heat could be felt almost two blocks away and the steel cross beam seen here was starting to glow - meaning heat far exceeded 2000 degrees. #Kamloops

Due to the risk of falling or floating debris, several closures are in effect due to the Red Bridge fire this morning (Sep 19). kamloops.ca/alerts/closure… Please stay out of the South Thompson and Thompson Rivers at and west of the Red Bridge. #kamloops

Doug Herbert Woke up this morning wondering what all the debris was floating down the Thompson River. Managed to get a shot of a couple beavers meandering through the carnage. Sad to see the bridge go. Hope no one was hurt.

The sun is rising on Victoria street in downtown #Kamloops, a mix of sun and clouds with a chance of showers later today and a high of 22. It’s a gorgeous start to the morning despite some sadness over the loss of the historic Red Bridge to fire overnight.

The aftermath of the fire that destroyed the Red Bridge in #Kamloops For more details go to CFJC Today Kamloops

UPDATE Kamloops RCMP have confirmed cause of this fire is suspicious. Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson says he wants the bridge rebuilt, but there are jurisdictional issues as to who is responsible for that.

Saddened by the devastating loss of our iconic and beloved 88 year old Red Bridge in #Kamloops this morning. Drove over it just the other day, ran under it many times. Calling on the Provincial Gov’t to build a new bridge at this vital location in our community asap. #bcpoli

The City of Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc are saddened by the loss of the historic Red Bridge. This landmark has long served as a physical and symbolic connection between our communities. Read the full release: tinyurl.com/4ah7tbyv

Hello Monday and hello #Kamloops, mainly cloudy this morning with a chance of showers, clearing this afternoon with a high of 27. Have a great week!

The ER at the hospital in Merritt has re-opened following a closure lasting 25 hours. Interior Health reported a shortage of doctors forced this latest shutdown. This was the 13th time this year the ER at Nicola Valley Hospital has temporarily closed due to staffing issues.

Work starts today to revitalize Albert McGowan Park in #Kamloops. Phase one requires the teardown of the current playground, so the water park will be closed. That work should be completed within a couple months.

#Kamloops city council is hosting a "special media event" re: next steps for the #BuildKamloops program at noon today outside City Hall. News release sent out at 9am confirms no details re: AAP results. "Please note: no further information will be released prior to this event."