WOONSOCKET, RI - In the early morning hours of July 29th, firefighters from around the state responded to 20 Privilege St. in Woonsocket for a commercial structure fire.

Firefighters and command staff were met with heavy flames coming from an abandoned mill. This mill, formally a CNC chemical plant but now abandoned, was fully involved on arrival with conditions quickly deteriorating. Realizing the conditions of the structure, command rapidly struck a general alarm, prompting a response from communities around the state to the scene and many more for station coverage.

A defensive operation was established early into the fire for the safety of all on the fire ground. Air quality monitors were strategically placed around the building to aid in the continuing effort to keep first responders safe while working the scene. The mill began to collapse on itself, unable to withstand the heat from the fire. Firefighters continued to battle the blaze throughout the morning and the next few days.

On August 4th, firefighters returned to the scene for a reported structure fire at the same address, but in a building not attached to the original building, which they quickly got under control. The cause of both fires is unknown, with investigation ongoing.