WARWICK, R.I. -- The investigation into a fire and explosion that destroyed some city trucks and damaged others Saturday night continues, but early indications are that the cause was electrical, fire officials said Tuesday.
Warwick Fire Chief Edmund Armstrong said that preliminary indications are that it was an electrical fire and it is possible that the explosions that residents heard were tires blowing out due to the heat.
He said that investigation is still ongoing and is being conducted by Warwick Police, Warwick fire investigators and the state Fire Marshal's office.
The fire and the sound of at least three explosions at the Public Works yard on Sandy Lane was reported shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday, city officials have said.
There, a fire fueled by diesel in the trucks seemed to be centered on three garbage trucks with damage extending to other heavy equipment parked nearby.
Mayor Scott Avedisian has said that the trucks were last used at 2 p.m. Saturday and were secure in the locked and gated yard.
In investigating the incident, police have reviewed all the video from security cameras located around the property.
The city was able to continue with trash collection on schedule this week by pulling older spare trucks into service and does not anticipate any interruption in service, Avedisian has said.
The city is insured through the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust, and Avedisian said that the trust has said it will try to expedite the handling of the claim because of the time it would take to replace the trucks that are totaled.
The city uses special mechanized garbage collection trucks that pick up the trash and recycling bins without manual assistance.
Public Works Director David Picozzi said this week that the trucks would cost in excess of $250,000 each to buy today.