By Richard C. Dujardin
WESTERLY, R.I. -- Firefighters on Friday night were still battling a fire before 10 p.m. that erupted in a series of stores on Commerce Street in the downtown area.
The police said the establishments involved in the fire included an antique shop, a sandwich shop and several upstairs apartments.
The building is located off Main Street, next to the Pawcatuck River. Parking areas abut it; the town skating rink is just to its south.
According to the New London Day, all occupants appeared to have gotten out safely.