No charges will be laid in massive Sask. bridge fire

Friday, April 1, 2016, 3:12 PM - The RCMP will not be pressing charges against a man who accidentally set an historic train bridge on fire near Porcupine Plain, Sask. last week.

After launching an investigation, authorities have determined the fire was accidental.

Last Friday, Brian Foster started a grass fire that grew out of control, engulfing an historic wooden bridge in the town of Porcupine Plain, Sask.

"It was an accident," Brian Foster told the CBC in an interview Sunday.

Foster tries to maintain the walking and cross-country ski trails on his property to benefit the community. He was burning grass when the fire grew out of control, eventually reaching the wooden train bridge some 200 metres away.

He said March is a good time to burn grass because snow usually helps control the fire.

WATCH: Historic Saskatchewan bridge goes out with a bang

He confessed his part in the fire in the comment section of the CBC, under a story reporting on the blaze.

"I was burning some of the long grass on a steep incline … and as soon as it touched those creosote-covered posts, the flames just shot right up to the top," he said.

"I tried to put it out with snow but that didn't work."

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He told the CBC he's lost sleep over the fire and he came forward because he "didn't want people blaming other people."

"I assure you that my family and I will be among those who are the most saddened by our loss," he said on the CBC website.

"I apologize for my carelessness to all who will miss our railway bridge. I also thank the fire department and the RCMP for taking time from their Good Friday holiday to deal with a fire that should never have happened. Again, I offer my most sincere apologies."

While many have come forward to support Foster, some are said to be dismayed about the loss of a local landmark.

The bridge was built in 1929 and has been out of commission for a few years.

SOURCES: Facebook | CBC