A major structure fire at a former school on Lakeshore Road in New Liskeard had firefighters and other emergency responders busy Thursday. Police are now calling it a suspected arson. Emergency crews were called to the building, which was under renovation, around 1:15 p.m. June 19, Ontario Provincial Police said in an update Friday morning. Police closed the road between Padget Street South, Market Street, Dymond Crescent and Farah Avenue on Thursday afternoon. Residents living near the fire were asked to leave the area and some homes were damaged as a result of the blaze. “Emergency crews deployed heavy machinery to assist in extinguishing the blaze and personnel remained on scene throughout the night to monitor conditions,” OPP said. “OPP is asking the public to avoid the area and for those in the immediate vicinity to evacuate.” In an update Thursday evening, Mayor Jeff Laferriere said five to eight houses near the structure were damaged, but there were no injuries. The building was the former École Sacré-Coeur school that was being turned into housing. “Roadblocks are being set up,” the city said on Facebook. Roadblocks went up at Melville, Market and Farah streets. While the fire was under control Thursday evening, crews were still at the site putting out hotspots. Friday morning, OPP said it is beginning to investigate the incident as arson. “Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Temiskaming OPP at 1-888-310-1122,” police said. “Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information at online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000."
