EAST PROVIDENCE — Representatives from the East Providence Fire and Police Departments as well as other officials from the city and area Wednesday, Aug. 21, were readying to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire that engulfed the Inferno Wood Pellets factory on Ferris Avenue in Rumford the previous afternoon.
An official at the scene said the group of investigators was waiting on a search warrant to be served at the premises before the inquiry could begin. The investigation is expected to be concluded by sometime Wednesday evening.
“We’re doing this by the book. We’re actually going above and beyond,” the official added.
EPFD personnel remained at the site overnight and into Wednesday as a precautionary measure, making sure no “hot spots” spouted up at the plant, that specializes in producing wood pellets for residential and industrial heating units.
Residents of the area noted fire personnel have been a constant presence at the factory, responding to minor incidents throughout the years.
One EPFD representative confirmed that information, saying the fire department has responded to the site on numerous occasions. The representative added the factory poses an “inherently dangerous situation” to workers and the surrounding businesses and neighborhood.
That danger came to the forefront Tuesday, Aug. 20, when a flash dust fire injured a 54-year-old male employee at the plant, sending him to the hospital with first and second degree burns.
The fire caused a significant portion of the roof to collapse, hindering the attempts of firefighters to contain the blaze.