Providence, RI Manufacturing Plant Fire, Jun 1908

BIG PROVIDENCE PLANT BURNED.

Explosion of Oil Starts Fire That Destroys British Manufacturing Company.

The extensive plant of the American and British manufacturing company in Providence, R. I., was destroyed by a fire early yesterday which, totaling the damage to the plant, stock and machinery, caused a loss estimated at over $150,000. The fire threw out of employment more than 500 persons. There was a large amount of finished stock stored in certain parts of the factory, consisting of various types of engines and heavy machinery, but until the ruins had cooled sufficiently to permit of an examination it was not known how much of this stock was destroyed. The plant was located in the center of the city’s manufacturing district, and was bounded by West River, Charles and Crown streets. When at its best the fire had a front of more than half a mile. The fire started in the engine-room and was caused, according to the watchman, by the explosion of a tank of oil, in which a spark had been dropped.

Springfield Republican, Springfield, MA 14 Jun 1908

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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!