Sad End to Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park

Firefighters were called to Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, to put out a fire while crews were demolishing the iconic and ACE Coaster Classic and Roller Coaster Landmark Blue Streak on the afternoon of January 4, 2022.

Photo: SHANNON ROAE/Meadville Tribune

It happened after a controlled burn near the carousel got out of hand, according to early reports from the scene. Buildings and structures next to Blue Streak, as well as part of the roller coaster and station, caught fire.

In a Facebook post, the general manager said heavy equipment had been demolishing the roller coaster, and small, controlled fires were being used to burn the wood. The heavy equipment, which was being used to control the burns, reportedly suffered a mechanical issue, and the fire spread to the front part of the loading dock.

The park has demolition and burn permits, according to the general manager. About half of the roller coaster had already been demolished. The rest Blue Streak will come down in the next few days.

The historic wooden roller coaster was built in 1937. It has opened and closed multiple times over the years and for several years, the park's future was in limbo.

It was recently sold in a bankruptcy auction to Keldon Holdings, which is owned by Philadelphia-area businessman Todd Joseph.

Since the sale, the park had been largely dismantled. Most of the rides have been torn down or sold, and the park's owner has feuded with nearby residents who fear he is planning to redevelop the land.