Fort Erie’s firefighters are being hailed as heroes for their relentless efforts in battling a massive fire that ravaged a historic former high school in the town. Fire Chief Mark Schmitt and Mayor Wayne Redekop praised the firefighters, mostly volunteers, for their 16-hour-long dedication to extinguishing the stubborn blaze at the former Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School, which is now classified as arson by the Niagara Regional Police.
The fire department mobilized firefighters from all four fire stations to respond to the fire that broke out around 1 a.m. on Ridge Road North. Despite challenging conditions, the firefighters worked diligently to control the fire, put out hot spots, and safeguard the surrounding community, as stated by the town officials.
Following the intense response, many exhausted volunteers either resumed their regular jobs or took personal time off to recover from the physical strain. Fire Chief Schmitt commended the crews for their professionalism and unwavering dedication during the incident, expressing pride in their performance and gratitude for their hard work.
Mayor Redekop acknowledged the firefighters’ strenuous efforts in ensuring the safety of the community, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to Fort Erie. The town highlighted the significant historical value of the former high school in the Ridgeway and Crystal Beach communities, particularly the designated 1927 front facade under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Prior to the fire, demolition work had commenced on the building, with plans to preserve the facade for future redevelopment purposes. The town emphasized the careful preservation of the facade during firefighting operations, given the building’s deteriorated state and the importance of safety throughout the response.
The investigation into the incident is now led by the 5 District Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) in collaboration with the Fort Erie Fire Department. Detectives are urging residents and businesses in the vicinity to review any surveillance footage and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.