Fire Chief Len Albanese talks with one of the owners of the K & R Salvage yard in North Providence after a three-alarm fire left heavy damage. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Firefighters from North Providence and many surrounding communities worked furiously Thursday to put out a three-alarm fire that left one worker burned, sparked numerous explosions, and was fueled by many hazards, throwing a large plume of smoke into the sky.
Smoke from the blaze at K & R Auto Salvage at 950 Smithfield Ave. in North Providence could be seen from downtown Providence, and as far away as Coventry. Fire crews were met with explosions.
“There were multiple explosions on arrival, they could have been propane tanks, they could have been portable gas tanks,” said Chief Len Albanese of the North Providence Fire Department.
“We had combustible fuels, we had flammable liquids, waste oil.”
“The fire started, apparently it was accidental, but we’re a long way from determining the cause.” He said that one worker at the salvage company suffered burns and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. Some firefighters were treated on scene for minor injuries.
Mayor Charles Lombardi, a former firefighter said there have been few problems with the salvage yard over the years.
“We’re going to do whatever we can to help this fellow rebuild so that he can continue to be part of our community,” Lombardi said.
