By Associated Press - Friday, June 29, 2018

JOHNSTON, R.I. (AP) - Fire officials say a welding accident sparked the massive blaze that destroyed a building in a Rhode Island industrial complex.

The fire broke out at a warehouse around 7 a.m. Thursday in Johnston.

State Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin tells WPRI-TV a welder spilled hydraulic fluid, and a spark caused it to ignite. McLaughlin says the welder tried to use water to put out the fire, which only caused the flames to spread.



Fire crews from Providence, Cranston and Smithfield responded to the blaze. The roof the building collapsed, and the structure is considered a total loss.

Two people who were inside the building were able to get out without injury.

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Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com

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