Staff
In response to concerns raised by the Fort Frances OPP regarding possible security issues and unauthorized access to the Rainy Lake Hotel, the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service would like to ensure the public it has taken the necessary actions to mitigate them.
Firefighters entered the building yesterday and determined no people were inside.
They also secured all openings on the building’s exterior that possibly could have been utilized to gain entry into the vacant building.
As well, materials present that may have been used to assist with access to the building were removed from the property.
The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service will continue to monitor the vacant building on a regular basis for public safety concerns.
Anyone observing questionable activities around the Rainy Lake Hotel should contact the local OPP.
As reported earlier this week, there was an incident Sunday night in which some youths set fire to a vehicle in the area of Crowe Avenue.
An OPP investigation into the cause of the fire revealed a paper source was used to ignite the flames.
Police deduced the paper may have come from inside the Rainy Lake Hotel, and they and the fire department went to the building.
The building was insecure, and there was evidence of someone gaining access to the building on the second and third floors.
Cinder blocks had been piled up on the first-floor roof in order to gain access via the fire escape.
