Fire destroys Richmond River High School building

FIRE and Rescue NSW crews worked through the night to contain a large fire that destroyed a Richmond River High School building, due for demolition, in North Lismore.

About 50 firefighters and ten fire trucks responded to numerous Triple Zero calls to a fire in a building in Lake Street, with reports of flames and thick smoke.

On arrival, crews were faced with a large expanding fire in a large building located at the front of the school that was impacting adjoining buildings.

Firefighters successfully established cut off points and contained the fire.

NSW Police assisted with establishing a 150-metre exclusion zone, with road closures in place on Lake Street, Winterton Parade, Pitt Lane and Bridge Street.

The intensity of the fire led to a building collapse at the front of the school, which added to the complexity of the operation.

The fire was contained after approximately two-and-a-half hours, however firefighters then turned their efforts to protecting adjoining buildings and extinguishing hotspots.

Richmond River High School principal Luke Woodward said it is a major loss for the community.

The school has been operating at Southern Cross University since the 2022 floods.

“This tragedy is not just about a building—it’s about the memories, the stories, and the generations that have passed through its halls,” Mr Woodward said.

“To the entire Richmond River High School community, we stand with you in this difficult time.

“Now more than ever, we must come together to support each other, heal, and rebuild.”

A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System drone was used to assist in identifying and extinguishing remaining hotspots.

Several firefighters were treated at the scene for suspected dehydration and heat exhaustion by NSW Ambulance Paramedics, and one firefighter was transported to hospital as a precaution.

The cause of the fire is unknown and is being treated as suspicious.