The Bridgewater Police Service (BPS) is reporting a youth turned themselves in and owned up to starting the fire on the Centennial Trail Bridge.
The fire broke out Thursday afternoon.
Fortunately, firefighters were able to extinguish it quickly before the entire structure was destroyed.
According to BPS on Friday the youth and one of his parents came to their station and the youth admitted they started the fire.
As a youth, the matter will be handled by the Youth Criminal Justice Act and no further details will be provided.
Bridgewater Mayor on firefighter response and next steps
Bridgewater’s Mayor says it will take more than just a quick fix to get the Centennial Trail Bridge back up and running.
“It’s an old train bridge, so it’s not just a matter of replacing the damaged boards and reopening,” said Mayor David Mitchell. “We are hoping to have a clearer idea of the timeline next week when inspectors have had a chance to asses it.”
He estimated it could take months or longer before the bridge can reopen.
Mitchell also offered his thanks to the Bridgewater Fire Department and the other departments that responded. “My understanding is they were on the scene very quickly after it caught fire, and they were able to haul their gear all the way into the bridge in stifling heat and get it under control,”.
The Town of Bridgewater owns the bridge so it will be responsible for covering any repair costs.
They are also planning to file an insurance claim to see what possible coverage they are eligible for.
