Authorities in New South Wales are investigating a suspicious fire that led to the destruction of a building at Richmond River High School, located in North Lismore, during the evening of the previous day. Over 50 firefighters, dispatched in response to multiple Triple Zero calls, battled the flames that erupted around 6:30 PM. Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke and flames emanating from the structure, which was set for demolition.
Fire crews worked diligently for several hours to contain the blaze, which threatened nearby buildings. Their efforts were complicated by the intensity of the fire, resulting in the collapse of part of the affected building at the front of the school. Firefighters were able to establish containment lines, preventing further damage to adjacent structures.
As the situation escalated, firefighters continued their initiative through the night, vigilantly extinguishing hotspots and utilising drones to aid their operations. Throughout the event, several firefighters were treated for dehydration and heat exhaustion, with one requiring hospital admission as a precautionary measure; however, that individual has since been cleared and discharged.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, and authorities are treating it as suspicious. The site has now been turned over to NSW Police for a thorough investigation into the incident.