The OPP and Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) are investigating a threat made against Fort Frances High School Tuesday morning that triggered the evacuation of students.
Shortly before 11:30 a.m., the Rainy River District Detachment of the OPP “received information regarding an isolated threat that was made via phone call to Fort Frances High School,” the detachment said in a press release.
Afternoon classes at the Grade 7-12 school were cancelled and “other schools in the area have initiated hold and secure as per their protocols,” the police said.
School staff and police were conducting an interior and exterior walkthrough of the school. The North West Region OPP Crime Unit said it will be investigating the incident with assistance from the Rainy River District School Board.
“Residents of Fort Frances will notice an increase of police presence and are being asked to avoid the area while the investigation continues,” the OPP said.
The school board said it will communicate any additional information regarding school operations directly to families as it becomes available and as advised by police.
“The board’s actions throughout the day were guided by the information available at the time and undertaken in collaboration with law enforcement to support a safe and orderly response,” RRDSB said in a press release. “The Rainy River District School Board appreciates the cooperation and patience of students, families, staff, and community members.”
Police encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity that could be a risk to public safety.
“Anyone with knowledge of this incident is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.”
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.
