Lockport residents are becoming increasingly familiar with the sound of explosions from the area of Ohio Street’s High Tread International.
The loud booms were prevalent Wednesday night as the fire raged on at the tire-grinding facility. They were mostly absent on Thursday, but seem to have returned this afternoon, audible from as far away as the city’s eastern edge.
Lockport Fire Department firefighters continue to battle the rubber fire nearly 48 hours after it was originally reported — around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday. While the fire is contained, many residents who live in the neighborhood nearest the facility have been asked not to return to their homes yet. There’s speculation that they won’t be allowed to do so until Saturday at the earliest, however, Lockport officials have not responded to phone calls concerning the matter.
Officials have also not yet answered many questions about the missing boy who has reportedly not been seen or heard from since the fire started. His mother has told Buffalo media outlets that he was in the recycling center when it went up in flames.
We’ll bring you more details when we have them.
RELATED: Some displaced Lockport residents allowed to return home
UPDATE: (2:25 p.m.): While a thunder storm rolls into Lockport, it is believed that the earlier boom were not thunder but rather firefighters using heavy equipment at the HTI site.
UPDATE: (2:39 p.m.): Lockport fire declared a crime scene
