Early this morning, a historical structure at 20 Privilege Street in Woonsocket, Rhode Island was enveloped in flames, leading to its collapse. NBC affiliate WJAR reported that the fire decimated a vacant mill building that once housed a chemical plant. Erected back in 1902, the approximately 221,000 square foot mill stood on a parcel spanning four acres, situated not far from the Massachusetts border, in proximity to Menard Field and Oak Hill Cemetery.
Residents nearby were temporarily stripped of power and kept at a distance from the inferno, which, according to WJAR, is due to the building's former use as a chemical facility. As of now, no injuries have been reported in connection to the fire, the cause of which still remains unascertained. The conflagration reportedly broke out around 1 a.m., and the aftermath left the mill building reduced to mere charred debris.
Assisting agencies from the surrounding area collaborated as firefighters attacked the blaze from elevated positions atop ladder trucks, dousing what remained of the structure with torrents of water. Dramatic footage captured by Boston 25 News showcased bright orange flames piercing the darkness of the night sky, while thick smoke billowed into the air. The incident drew a response from multiple community fire departments which worked in concert to combat the blaze.
According to Boston 25 News, records indicate that the property was controlled by CNC International since 1988, and the damaged complex featured a four-story, 197,432-square-foot building alongside a smaller three-story, 29,160-square-foot structure. CNC International was also linked to operations on an adjacent 2.33-acre property in Blackstone, Massachusetts. With the investigation into the cause of the fire ongoing, updates are expected as more details unfold.
