The OPP have concluded their investigation into a bomb threat made to the Fort Frances High School (FFHS) on Tuesday morning, having cleared the premises with no damage or injuries. No suspect has yet been identified.
The Rainy River District Detachment of the OPP received information shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday regarding an isolated threat that had been made via phone to FFHS. The school was evacuated, and nearby schools were placed on hold and secure protocols. Residents were advised to avoid the immediate area.
“I can advise that the investigation by the Fort Frances OPP into the High School bomb threat has concluded with no issues, no damage to any property, no injuries, and no suspect being identified at this time,” OPP Const. Ryan Russ told The Times in an email. “I can advise that officers received the call for service yesterday around 11:21 a.m., however the initial threat occurred around 10:10 am.”
While no suspect has been identified, police have advised anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-22-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
School staff and police conducted an interior and exterior walkthrough of the school following the incident. The North West Region OPP Crime Unit investigated the incident with assistance from the Rainy River District School Board.
The threat on Tuesday was not the first against the school. On Jan. 7, 2024, members of the Rainy River District OPP Detachment received information suggesting that a bomb would be brought to the Fort Frances High School the next day.
Police determined that the threat was not credible, and officers identified a youth suspect and secured the school. Days later on Jan. 10, information was received again suggesting that a bomb would be brought to Fort Frances High School sometime between Jan. 10 and Jan. 12.
A 19-year-old from Fort Frances was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and mischief that obstructs, interrupts, or interferes with the lawful use, operation or enjoyment of property in connection with the threats.
More recently, in March this year, bomb threats forced the closure of multiple schools across the Kenora District, including in Dryden, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout, though no suspicious devices were found.
