Massive Fire In Lockport Forces Evacuations

Smoke from a four-alarm fire in Lockport Wednesday night could be seen for miles as firefighters worked into the night trying to save nearby homes in an industrial area of the city.  Residents near the High Tread tire recycling plant in the west end of Lockport were ordered to leave their homes as a precaution because winds threatened to fan the flames into nearby neighborhoods.The fire at the complex in the Stevens Street, Ohio Street area was first reported just after 6:30 Wednesday night.  First units on the scene immediately requested help and firefighters from eight area volunteer fire companies responded.  Fire trucks pumped water from the Erie Canal to fight the blaze.

Soot from the fire was being scattered into the surrounding area while tons of ground up tires were feeding the intensity of the fire.  No immediate injuries were reported, but it appeared the company was a total loss.