Students evacuated at West Street Elementary

Niagara County fire investigators and Lewiston Police are continuing their investigations into a fire that forced the evacuation of hundreds of students from West Street Elementary School on Monday morning.

According to Lewiston Police Chief Chris Salada, numerous Niagara County fire companies and EMS units from the western Niagara County area responded to the fire call, whose origin remains under investigation. A joint effort from all departments made for a quick and effective response, eliminating the fire and medically evaluating all those at risk for smoke inhalation.

"The West Street School administration and staff followed their fire protocol and quickly got all of the children out of the building where they were then bused to Niagara-Wheatfield High School. Prompt action from the staff along with well-implemented policy resulted in a smooth response and the safety of all staff and students," said Salada.

He reported students were evaluated, both on scene at West Street Elementary and at Niagara-Wheatfield High School. Parents were able to pick up their children from Niagara-Wheatfield shortly after the incident. LPD assisted school administrators in ensuring that all students were picked up by their parents or guardians.

The investigation is ongoing through LPD and the Niagara County Fire Investigator's Office. (LPD photo)