LOCKPORT — The owner of the tire recycling business at the center of a massive fire in Lockport that started Wednesday evening and continues to burn at this hour says that kids purposely set the fire.
Derek Martin told The Buffalo News that a video shows that “It was maliciously set by kids.” While Martin says he has not seen the video, he was made aware of it by employees of HTI Recycling, which turns old tires into a powder for use in a variety of other products.
Attempts by All WNY News to contact Martin have been unsuccessful.
Lockport Fire Chief Pat Brady says that powder is the reason the fire has been so hard to get under control, although the fire department does say that the fire is contained. Brady says the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Lockport Police Det. Lt. Todd Chenez said there is a person who has been missing since the fire started. “There may be somebody inside the building. We’re investigating that right now.” Chenez declined to release a name of the individual.
Residents of the evacuated area — between Stevens Street and West Avenue, Ohio and Prospect streets — are asked to continue to stay away from the area.
We’ll offer more updates to this post when we have more details.
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Photo courtesy of Al Gritzmacher. For more photos, click here.
UPDATE: (12:59 p.m.): A Lockport mom is saying that her son is missing and has asked fire crews to search for him inside the remains of the building. No further details on the identity of the boy.
UPDATE: (1:11 p.m.): Five other fire companies still assisting LFD in fighting fire. At one point, there were 40 fire companies aiding the effort.
UPDATE: (1:13 p.m.): Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey says city normally goes through 4.5 million gallons of water per day. Went through 12 million in last day. Also says Niagara County Department of Health, EPA and DEC say that air is safe for city residents.
UPDATE: (1:18 p.m.): Chief Brady says he’s aware of Martin’s allegations that the fire was intentionally set but will not comment on the allegations other than to say that the fire was already under investigation. Brady has previously said that all fires are investigated. He said he has not seen the video Martin spoke of. Four buildings were involved in the blaze.
UPDATE: (1:20 p.m.): Niagara County Sheriff’s Office helicopter hovering over fire to get better view of hot spots.
UPDATE: (1:22 p.m.): Chief Brady says he’s hoping residents will be able to return to their homes this afternoon. Says decision on when is his to make.
UPDATE: (1:31 p.m.): Explosions reported may have been propane tanks or dust according to Chief Brady.
UPDATE: (2:31 p.m.): New clouds of black smoke emerge from scene as fire fighters move ground up rubber to douse under it.
UPDATE: (2:36 p.m.): Some news sources release name of missing kid. We will not do so until it is released by investigators. They asked that it not be released. We will abide by that.
UPDATE: (5:34 p.m.): Chief Brady says fire is now “under control” but evacuation order remains in tact. Residents may be able to return to homes later tonight. Chief Brady will inform media when all-clear is given. Firefighters are gearing up for another long night of fighting the fire.
UPDATE: (5:38 p.m.): Chief Brady says investigation continues as it normally would. No “recovery” process underway for missing boy. Chief praises support from fire companies offering mutual aid and community offering help.
UPDATE: (5:42 p.m.): NCSO helicopter serving as eyes-in-the sky taking video of scene to aid firefighting and investigation.
UPDATE: (5:44 p.m.): Mayor McCaffrey said state Sen. Rob Ortt’s office “reached out to provide … whatever assistance we may need.” Added that an oil sheen is on the Erie Canal as a result of the fire. The DEC will address.
UPDATE: (5:47 p.m.): Det. Lt. Chenez said missing boy still has not contacted friends or family but officials are still not releasing name. Asked if fire was suspicious, said, “At this time, we’re not considering anything.”
UPDATE: (5:49 p.m.): Mayor McCaffrey said the three shelters open last night to the residents of the 200 evacuated homes will be open again tonight. Those are North Park, the Salvation Army and the South Lockport Fire Hall.
UPDATE: (8:17 p.m.): For all intents and purposes, there’s no update. Firefighters continue to douse the fire with water, which is “under control.” Evacuation zone still active. No word on the missing boy.
UPDATE: (9:28 p.m.): Some Lockport residents allowed to return home
