Crime & Safety
Woonsocket Mill Engulfed In Flames
Fire companies from throughout the region respond to battle massive mill fire.
A general alarm has been called for a fire in a Woonsocket mill building and between 75 and 100 firemen are currently on the scene.
The blaze, which began around 8 p.m., had encompassed the entire building by 10 p.m. and crowds watched as billows of black smoke spread high across the city skyline.
Power has been cut along Main Street and the surrounding area for safety, leaving more than 1,000 city residents without power. Officers are monotoring traffic lights along the route and the view across the Court Street bridge showed complete darkness.
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Chief Gary Lataille reported that there had been one firefighter injured on the scene and the individual was transported to an area hospital.
"The fact that the building is collapsing is actually helping us fight the fire," said Lataille.
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Residents along Fairmount Street have been evacuated, and the American Red Cross is on the scene to help families secure overnight shelter.
"We were on the highway when we saw it," said Jodie Girard, a resident of 36 Fairmount St. "My brother said it was right across the street from our house so we rushed home and I ran in to get some things, including my hampster," he said. Girard said his was one of three families asked to leave the building as a precaution, and the residents have been told they will not be able to return this evening.
The building, built in 1889, was purchased by American Wood Pellet earlier this year.
