Explosion, fire in Fort Frances

An explosion took place at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances at 12:44 a.m. Thursday, allegedly resulting in a fire.
The fire was under control as of Thursday afternoon and the Ontario fire marshall was at the scene investigating the cause, according to the Fort Frances Fire Department.
Union Gas company officials were still working to shut off the gas line to the school as of Thursday afternoon, according to the FFFD. Shutting off the gas line instead of only shutting off an isolated line to the school would shut off the gas to over 500 residences, Falls Fire Chief Jerry Jensen said.
The International Falls Fire Department was contacted at 2:30 a.m. Thursday and have had eight to 11 firefighters assist with safety precautions at the site, Jensen said. “The Falls Fire Department likes helping in Fort Frances when they are needed,” Jensen said.
It’s fortunate that there were no injuries, Jensen said, adding that the incident could have been much worse.
The International Falls Police Department also offered their services to assist with the incident.
“This event is the perfect example of how the mutual aid agreement between International Falls and Fort Frances works,” Falls Mayor Shawn Mason said.
Members of the OPP were contacted by Union Gas at 10:58 p.m. Wednesday to conduct traffic control at the Keating Avenue and Kings Highway area due to a suspected gas odor.
The OPP evacuated The Adventure Inn, the Super 8 Motel, the Westfort Apartments, as well as several residences in the area of the school. Evacuated people were asked to go to the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Center for assistance.
Officers of the Fort Frances OPP were conducting traffic control in the area of the school. Traffic entering Fort Frances from the east and west was being diverted Thursday.
Businesses in the area of the J.W. Walker School, including The Adventure Inn, the Super 8 Motel and Energy Fitness won’t open until the police and fire departments have concluded their investigations.
The Fort Frances High School, St. Francis School and the Catholic Board of Education will also be closed until further notice.