WARWICK, R.I. -- Local police and fire officials are still investigating the cause of explosions that destroyed at least three garbage trucks parked in the city's public works yard on Sandy Lane Saturday night.
Mayor Scott Avedisian said that the state Fire Marshal's office had also been called in to help with the investigation.
Avedisian said neighbors in the area reported hearing three explosions.
The explosions triggered a fire that was fueled by the diesel in the garbage trucks and the blaze heavily damaged other vehicles parked nearby.
The fire, which occurred at about 9 p.m., also sent up clouds of black oily smoke which settled as heavy grime on rows of other vehicles parked in the yard.
Public Works Director David Picozzi said that the three mechanized garbage collection trucks that were totally destroyed would cost about $250,000 a piece to replace and that the total cost of the incident could be in excess of $1 million when the damage to the other nearby vehicles is added in.
Picozzi said that regular garbage pickup will continue and that the city will use older trucks as substitutes for the three that were destroyed in the short term.
The explosion completely obliterated the cab of one truck and the heat from the fire was so intense that the windshields and metal grills melted on some nearby vehicles.
Avedisian said that no one was injured in the incident and that the cause of the explosions was still under investigation.
He said that the trucks were last used Saturday afternoon and returned empty to the city yard at about 2 p.m.
The yard is gated and locked, and Avedisian said that investigators will be reviewing the footage of numerous security cameras on the property.
Police cars and firetrucks were still on the scene around 11 p.m. Saturday as investigators aided by portable lights scrutinized the wreckage of the trucks.
The smell of diesel permeated the area and puddles of the black fuel mixed with the white chemical foam used to extinguish the fire.
On Sunday morning, Avedisian said the town will meet with the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust, an intergovernmental insurance risk-sharing pool for state municipalities, first thing Monday morning to determine which trucks, if any, can be refurbished or if they are total losses.
Avedisian also confirmed that trash pickup will continue on schedule with the use of spare trucks in the fleet.
An earlier version of this story was posted Saturday at 11:16 p.m. and updated Sunday at 9:32 a.m., 11:59 a.m. and 12:27 p.m.