Photos/Story By: Ricci B. Ruschioni
Shortly after 6 PM Saturday August 19, firefighters from a North Providence firehouse noticed a large column of big smoke in the sky.
Within minutes firefighters from North Providence and Providence were dispatched to the area of Douglas and Branch Avenue after numerous calls were being received reporting some type of fire.
When the North Providence companies found the fire. They reported that they had a large mill building well involved.
Providence transmitted a second alarm as they arrived on the scene.
The large vacant 300 x 200 L-shaped 3 story brick building was located at 81 Wild Street, and was known as the former American Tourister Building. The building was situated very close to the North Providence line, off of Douglas Avenue.
Within 30 minutes most of the building would become fully involved.
The smoke from the fire was visible for over 30 miles away.
Due to low water pressure, 4 alarms would be needed to battle the raging inferno.
15 engines, 5 ladders and the Providence Tower Ladder would be needed to control the fire. North Providence also assisted at the scene with 2 engines.
It would take over 3 hours to control the blaze, and firefighters were still on the scene today, wetting down the smoldering rubble.
Fire officials say, the fire may have been set.
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