Fire at former Fort Erie high school deemed arson: police

Niagara police say a massive fire at a former high school in Fort Erie overnight Monday is being investigated as arson.

Police and the Fort Erie Fire Department responded around 1:15 a.m. to the blaze at Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School on Ridge Road North, near Nigh Road.

Fire Chief Mark Schmitt told CHCH News that crews arrived to a significant fire at the back of the building, which quickly spread into another section of the structure.

The school was being demolished to make room for 113 new homes.

“Given the unknown structural conditions associated with the ongoing demolition, operations are being conducted in a defensive mode,” Schmitt said early Monday morning.

“Crews are utilizing elevated master streams to contain and control the fire while maintaining firefighter safety.”

No injuries have been reported.

In an update Monday afternoon, police say fire crews are still working to extinguish the blaze.

“The incident is expected to remain active for an extended period, and crews will continue suppression and monitoring operations throughout the day,” Schmitt said.

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Niagara police and the Fort Erie Fire Department are now investigating the act of arson.

Residents and businesses in the area of Ridge Road North are asked to review video surveillance and contact police if anything suspicious is seen.

Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009538.

To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).

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