BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol marine units assigned to the Buffalo Border Patrol Station made landfall on the Canadian shore near Niagara Falls, after observing a house fire on the Canadian shoreline around 1:15 am. The agents did not see the signs of any fire or rescue vehicles, and maneuvered closer to the Canadian shoreline, signaling sirens and lights to alert residents to the danger of the growing blaze.
on Niagara River shoreline.
Border Patrol agents landed in Canada, and worked quickly to contact residents from neighboring houses. One of the agents made contact with residents from the house that was on fire, and escorted a family of four, including two children, across the road to a safe location. Simultaneously, another agent evacuated another family of four from the house adjacent to the blaze.
At approximately 1:29 am, the vessel commander of a second Border Patrol boat made contact with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were also patrolling in the area. The commander informed the RCMP of the fire, and Border Patrol intentions to assist in rescue of endangered residents.
“The decisive actions made by the agents involved, demonstrates their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the safety of citizens on both sides of the border,” said Acting Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Station, Matt Harvey.