LOCKPORT, N.Y. — It's been nearly two years since the massive deadly fire at High Tread International in Lockport.
Now, an environmental group — Citizens Against Pollution of Niagara — is raising concerns about potential health issues in that neighborhood.
The fire at the tire recycling plant was intentionally set by a teenager in August of 2016. His friend died in the fire.
Thursday night, Lockport's Mayor told 2 On Your Side’s Kelly Dudzik she was finally able to get a hold of High Tread International's owner Wednesday and that he has been in contact with the city's building inspection department which is responsible for making sure the site is up to code. She also told us she is not aware of any threats to public health.
Neighbors were evacuated from their homes during the fire. Some are concerned about its potential long-term impact.
"I feel that the air was contaminated and the West End was contaminated. I feel that the firemen who had to battle that they need to be examined every year," says Jean Kiene from Citizens Against Pollution of Niagara.
"I have not been informed by the DEC or the Public Health Director that there's any threat to any of our residents in that neighborhood, certainly if there were, we would be informed and we would share that information," says Mayor Anne McCaffrey.
The Mayor says she expects Lockport’s Building Inspection Department to go back to HTI to make sure it is in compliance with all city codes within the next week or so.