Police Statement at 8:36pm

About 6.30pm on Friday, 28 March 2025, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a school on Lake Street, North Lismore.

The school, which had been abandoned since the 2022 floods, was extensively damaged.

There are no reports of injuries, and a number of nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Local traffic diversions are in place while emergency services remain at the scene.

ORIGINAL STORY

The old Richmond River High School is on fire in North Lismore.

The school has been abandoned since the February 28 flood, so foul play is the most likely cause.

Police, ambulance, and fire trucks are in attendance, with a large crowd watching, trying to contain the fire.

(Video thanks to Matt Mauger from NRs Aerial Photography)

Police have closed Lake Street and Winterton Parade in North Lismore.

The historic school was initially Lismore High School when it opened in 1920. When Lismore High moved in 1942 to Keen Street.

Sixteen years later, in 1958, Richmond River High School opened its doors to students.

Following the February 28 2022 big flood, the Department of Education determined that all buildings except Block A, were beyond repair and deemed unsalvageable.

More to come.

(Firies attempting to dowse the fire at RRHS. Photo: NRs Aerial Photography)