50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

Lockport foundation makes large gift to Red Cross

To help offset costs of Lockport fire
Posted at 9:21 PM, Sep 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-28 07:55:49-04

A Lockport foundation is donating more than $7,000 to the Red Cross to help cover costs incurred during the August industrial fire.

The Grigg-Lewis Foundation announced the gift on Tuesday.

More than 45 Red Cross workers -- including 36 volunteers -- stepped up to help when a fire broke out at High Tread International August 10.

Those workers opened a shelter at North Park Junior High, served nearly 400 meals and snacks, and used two Emergency Response Vehicles to distribute nearly 3,500 clean-up and comfort kits to families impacted by the fire.

In addition to Red Cross workers, more than 200 firefighters from more than a dozen fire companies responded to the fire at the tire recycling plant.

Hundreds of residents in a nine-street area were evacuated from their homes for 48 hours.

Investigators said they believe the fire was intentionally set by several juveniles, one of whom, 14-year-old Joseph Phillips, was killed in the fire.

Niagara County officials are currently reviewing the incident and will determine whether or not charges will be filed.