EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Fire crews were still on the scene at the Inferno Pellet Co. Wednesday, working to safely remove a quantity of dust and wood chips after an explosion caused a fire Tuesday that widened to four alarms.
Acting Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian said firefighters were wetting down the material as it was removed by a front-end loader. He said the concern was undetected hot spots that might bring another blast if stirred up. Many types of dust can be explosive if mixed with air in a confined space. He said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Elmasian said agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had joined the investigation. "Anytime a fire involves interstate commerce they can come in and assist us," he said. He added however that there was no immediate indication of sabotage.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration also is investigating, according to Patrick J. Griffin, OSHA's area director.
The plant, at 275 Ferris Ave., remained closed. Elmasian said the utilities had been shut off. He did not know how many had been employed there.
Wood pellets are used as fuel for stoves.
A worker Tuesday was treated in Rhode Island Hospital for burns.