Photos/Story by Tom Carmody
On December 24, 2001, just after 8 AM, the Johnston, RI Fire Department began receiving phone calls for a fire in the 1400 block of Atwood Avenue.
On arrival, companies reported heavy smoke showing from a one story, cinder-block, L-shape building. The building housed a pet store, air conditioning company and a golf shop.
The fire apparently began in the air conditioning companies shop.
Firefighters found a heavy fire condition in the store and were quickly forced out by deteriorating conditions.
A defensive operation began and mutual aid companies from Cranston, North Providence and Providence were called in.
Although firefighters did a great job of containing the fire to it's building of origin, several animals in the pet shop died as a result of smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were able to save most of the animals.
Two firefighters were injured battling the two-alarm fire.
Officers of the State Fire Marshal's Office as well as the Johnston Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau are investigating the fire.
