LOCKPORT — The Lockport Fire Department is battling a massive fire on Stevens Street, the site of an old paper mill. The fire has reportedly spread to other nearby buildings.
The blaze was originally reported at 6:43 p.m. when two LFD trucks were sent to the scene. They have since gotten support from South Lockport and Wrights Corners Vol. Fire companies.
The huge smoke plume is reportedly visible from as far away as Sanborn, Somerset and Wilson.
We’ll bring you updates when we get them.
UPDATE (7:30 p.m.): The fire is now threatening homes in the neighborhood. Explosions are shooting into the back yards of residential homes. Fire officials have requested that any available fire personnel respond to the scene to assist.
UPDATE: (7:31 p.m.): Emergency officials are evacuating residential homes in the area of the fire as the fire encroaches an oil tank near the blaze. There are also problems being reported with fire hydrants in the area.
UPDATE: (7:35 p.m.): The Lockport Water Department has been requested to increase water pressure to allow for the quantity of water needed to fight the fire.
UPDATE: (7:42 p.m.): Explosions can be heard from throughout the city of Lockport.
UPDATE: (7:44 p.m.): At least two more structures are now reportedly on fire. “Collapse imminent” at one of the original structures. One of the firefighters said on the public scanner, “We’re going to start pulling out of here. We have no water pressure. And we are losing control of the (inaudible) building right now.”
UPDATE: (7:58 p.m): Multiple explosions reported. Ash falling on the east end of the city.
UPDATE: (8:14 p.m.): A building has collapsed. Also, Cambria and Terry’s Corners Vol. Fire companies are now on standby and an engine from Rapids has been called to the scene.
UPDATE: (8:16 p.m.): Spectators are causing issues, blocking ingress and egress of emergency vehicles needing to get through. People are advised to stay off Stevens Street and streets leading directly to it. Also, trucks are now drafting water out of the Erie Canal.
UPDATE: (8:20 p.m.): Another loud explosion reported as Lockport Fire Department is now requesting more assistance from Sanborn and other fire trucks flood into the city en route to the fire.
UPDATE: (8:32 p.m.): Residential garages on Bristol Street now consumed with flames. Expected to be total losses. Second photo added.
UPDATE: (8:36 p.m.): Fire trucks from Wolcottsville and Youngstown requested.
UPDATE: (8:56 p.m.): More homes north of the fire being evacuated. Evacuation area includes everything between Stevens Street and West Avenue from Ohio Street to Prospect. Officials now looking for a place to shelter 100 people. (shown at right)
RELATED: Evacuation ordered for Lockport neighborhood
UPDATE: (9:14 p.m.): North Park School is being opened for shelter for evacuees.
UPDATE: (9:18 p.m.): Fire officials requesting fuel from the city’s public works department to fuel the fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
UPDATE: (9:24 p.m.): Another truck drawing water directly from the canal as water pressure issues continue. A crew — and truck — has been requested from Clarence Center.
UPDATE: (9:30 p.m.): All Niagara County fire companies are on standby. Niagara County Auxiliary Police called to scene of fire for crowd control.
UPDATE: (9:39 p.m.): Another loud explosion heard throughout the city of Lockport. Webb and Bristol streets both reported as being completely evacuated.
UPDATE: (9:43 p.m.): Anna Merritt Elementary School added as a shelter for evacuees. And another loud boom.
UPDATE: (10:07 p.m.): Specialized Medical Assistance Response Team requested. Water pressure issues continue to be a problem.
UPDATE: (10:22 p.m.): Lockport Fire Chief Pat Brady says he’s unsure of the cause of the fire but said he believes is started in a storage area behind High Tread International on Ohio Street. He said he anticipates a long night but he’s hopeful to get residents back into their homes as soon as possible.
UPDATE: (10:29 p.m.): Rehab trailer from Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and rescue truck from Sanborn Vol. Fire Co. called to the scene.
UPDATE: (10:52 p.m.): American Red Cross told to stand down. All evacuees found accommodations for the evening.
UPDATE: (11:07 p.m.): The City of Buffalo has offered assistance to the City of Lockport. Water pressure problems seem to be under control. Firefighters are bracing for a long night.
UPDATE: (11:12 p.m.): The Niagara County Health Department is now on scene. The Environmental Protection Agency and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are reportedly en route. Lockport Fire Chief Pat Brady says, however, that the smoke is not inherently dangerous.
UPDATE: (11:18 p.m.): Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey says the South Lockport Fire Company is also available for affected residents. In addition to the Lockport Fire Department, there are 14 other fire companies actively fighting the fire.
UPDATE: (11:20 p.m.): Wilson, Middleport, Olcott, Pekin, Youngstown, Adams and Barker engines requested to scene to relieve worn out crews.
UPDATE: (12:26 p.m.): Fuel requested again to refill fire trucks dealing with fire.
RELATED: Photos of Lockport fire (thanks to Al Gritzmacher)
UPDATE: (1:06 a.m.): Akron, Getzville, Swormville, Clarence, Eggertsville, North Amherst, Ellicott Creek fire companies called for mutual aid. Grand Island put on standby.
UPDATE: (2:19 a.m.): Crews still battling fire. Affected homeowners still asked to stay away. Lack of updates due to not much to report. We will offer *real* updates when we have them to report, including the all-clear for affected homeowners.
UPDATE: (5:03 a.m.): Lockport Fire Chief Pat Brady says fire will be fought “long into the day.” Says several companies who responded in mutual aid have concluded their assistance. Says fighting fire has taxed city’s water system. “We have a lot of hard work to go before this is done.”
UPDATE: (5:07 a.m.): Lockport Fire Chief Pat Brady says he does not believe any homes in the area were damaged. “The guys did the very best they could. Called for help immediately.” Says fire is contained but not yet under control. No injuries reported from the fire.
UPDATE: (6.24 a.m.): The evacuation area remains unchanged from last night and residents are asked not to return to their homes yet. Officials say they are waiting for the smoke to clear and the wind to die down. There is no indication when that might be.
UPDATE: (12:56 p.m.): One person missing since fire started, business owner says fire was intentionally set. (Further updates will be posted at this link)
- All WNY News will issue an alert when it is safe for residents to return to their homes. For alerts via your Android phone, download the All WNY News app for Android here.