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Massive conflagration engulfs Woonsocket industrial park
WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- A fire sparked by a downed electrical wire consumed five buildings at an industrial complex and forced some families to flee their homes.
Firefighters got the blaze under control by midnight Thursday, but officials said they expect firefighters will be working throughout the day Friday to extinguish it.
At least two firefighters were taken to the hospital for dehydration. No major injuries were reported.
The estimated 50 to 60 employees working in the ACS Industries building, where the fire began at about 6 p.m. Thursday, evacuated safely.
Helping fuel the flames were 25,000 to 27,000 gallons of fuel oil in a tank in one of the buildings. One of the burning buildings also contained 25,000 to 50,000 pounds of cotton that was feeding the fire.
About two dozen families were evacuated from a street adjacent to the buildings, and others were told they could choose to leave.
Fire Chief Henry Renaud said it appears the fire started when a transformer exploded, sending a power line into a fence next to the mill complex.
The blaze spread to buildings housing Florence Dye and a Nextel phone dealer.
Embers from the fire landed on the roof of an apartment building a quarter mile away, but caused only minor damage, Renaud said. Another house closer to mill complex also was hit by embers.
Paula Rezendes, who lives around the corner from the fire, said she returned Thursday evening and found she couldn't reach her house.
"I have no idea what condition my house is in ... We can't get up the street. I don't know where we're staying for the night," she said.
Temporary housing at area motels was being arranged Thursday night for those evacuated. (AP)
Firefighters got the blaze under control by midnight Thursday, but officials said they expect firefighters will be working throughout the day Friday to extinguish it.
At least two firefighters were taken to the hospital for dehydration. No major injuries were reported.
The estimated 50 to 60 employees working in the ACS Industries building, where the fire began at about 6 p.m. Thursday, evacuated safely.
Helping fuel the flames were 25,000 to 27,000 gallons of fuel oil in a tank in one of the buildings. One of the burning buildings also contained 25,000 to 50,000 pounds of cotton that was feeding the fire.
About two dozen families were evacuated from a street adjacent to the buildings, and others were told they could choose to leave.
Fire Chief Henry Renaud said it appears the fire started when a transformer exploded, sending a power line into a fence next to the mill complex.
The blaze spread to buildings housing Florence Dye and a Nextel phone dealer.
Embers from the fire landed on the roof of an apartment building a quarter mile away, but caused only minor damage, Renaud said. Another house closer to mill complex also was hit by embers.
Paula Rezendes, who lives around the corner from the fire, said she returned Thursday evening and found she couldn't reach her house.
"I have no idea what condition my house is in ... We can't get up the street. I don't know where we're staying for the night," she said.
Temporary housing at area motels was being arranged Thursday night for those evacuated. (AP)
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