Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • WPRI 12 News

    Fire destroys vacant mill building in Woonsocket

    By Joe CorteseMelanie DaSilva,

    4 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2UN7Sc_0ugQipVC00

    WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — An investigation is underway after a large fire broke out at a vacant mill in Woonsocket early Monday morning.

    Crews rushed to 20 Privilege St. just before 1 a.m. and found the former chemical plant engulfed in flames. Firefighters from several surrounding cities and towns were called in to help.

    While the towers are still standing, the rest of the building has been reduced to rubble. Firefighters are now sifting through the debris and working to put out any remaining hot spots.

    “About 1:00 in the morning, exactly on the dot, my whole house shook and I heard an explosion … and I didn’t pay it no mind,” recalled Mandy Durfee, who lives nearby. “But then I seen, like, an orange light through my windows and I looked out through my windows and all I seen was flames like three quarters of the way into the sky.”

    WATCH: Drone footage of Woonsocket mill fire (Story continues below.)

    Woonsocket Fire Chief Bob Cahill said the air quality is being monitored since it was a gas-fed fire. The smoke had a visible green and yellow hue to it.

    Power was shut off to the surrounding area, but it’s since been restored.

    TARGET 12: Woonsocket mill was former chemical plant

    The Woonsocket Water Division (WWD) said water in the area may be discolored and asked residents to refrain from using water until the sediment settles.

    “WWD recommends using an outside spigot to flush your lines and avoid using your hot water to avoid sediment being drawn into your tanks. Thank you for your patience,” the agency posted on Facebook .

    WATCH: Timeline of Woonsocket mill fire (Story continues below.)

    According to city records , the site was developed for commercial use in 1902. Its recent owners were CNC International — an organic chemical manufacturing company with its primary operations involving the synthesis, formulation, packaging and distribution of specialty chemicals.

    The mill went up for sale earlier this year for $2,750,000, according to a real estate listing . It’s nearly 220,000 square feet and sits on four acres of land.

    No word on any injuries or what caused the fire.

    WATCH: Previous coverage on 12 News This Morning

    Close

    Thanks for signing up!

    Watch for us in your inbox.

    Breaking News

    Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Most Popular newsMost Popular

    Comments / 0