(Lockport, New York August 11, 2016) - - The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team based in Lockport, NY (Niagara County) was requested and responded to a four alarm industrial fire in the City of Lockport, New York on Wednesday evening. The team provided canteen and hydration services to firefighters who were involved in fighting the large fire on Stevens Street.  Due to the type of materials burning, an evacuation order was issued for a ten block area around the fire.  The Salvation Army along with members of the American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Chapter Disaster team worked together to open three shelters in the City and provided sheltering, emotional care and feeding to those displaced overnight. 

“The request to respond came directly from the City of Lockport to the local Salvation Army Officers in the community. Our team of volunteers from across the Greater Buffalo area provided meals, snacks and water at the fire scene as well as shelter and food to those displaced last evening.

We are grateful to the Lockport Salvation Army for supervising and staffing this important operation and to the American Red Cross of Greater Buffalo for their steadfast partnership with us in serving our community.” said Michael Schwartz, Divisional Disaster Director for the Empire State Division of The Salvation Army.

Firefighters from across Niagara, Erie and Orleans Counties were involved as were the Niagara County Office of Emergency Services, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Office of Emergency Management and several area law enforcement and EMS agencies.

For more information on The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services, please contact Michael Schwartz at (315) 434-1367 or michael.schwartz@use.salvationarmy.org