Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Steve Klamkin and Liz Burke, WPRO News
A pre-dawnfire that damaged a vacant former nightclub on the Fall River waterfront is being called suspicious.
Fall Riverfirefighters were called to former Regatta Nightclub on Davol Street just before 5:00 a.m. on Friday. They were able to knock down the fire after about 20 minutes.
Two fire fighters were treated for minor injuries. There is currently an ongoing investigation.
"We will continue to work with investigators," said Fall River Mayor William Flanagan, "to determine who caused this suspicious fire, and then make sure those individuals are held responsible."
The building had been vacant for several years, but Flanagan said new owners are attempting to bring back the property as a "dining destination" along the Taunton River. He called it "very important" for revitalization of the city's waterfront.
"Now, it’s our responsibility to work with the owners to make sure we can get them back on their timetable for construction and get this property reopened here." Flangan estimated the owners may be able to open by late this summer or early fall.
