Crime & Safety
Fire At Elmwood Avenue Site Under Investigation
Fourteen firefighters were taken to area hospitals "for minor exposure," the EMS director said.
CRANSTON, RI -- A three-alarm fire broke out at about 5 p.m. at Gem-Graft, Inc., at 1420 Elmwood Ave. According to Paul Casey, Cranston's emergency medical services director, 14 firefighters were taken to area hospitals for "minor exposure" to chemicals. None of the injuries is serious, he said. The fire started around 4:30 p.m. at the back of the building.
Initially, unconfirmed reports said cyanide and nitric acid were on site. North Kingstown and Woonsocket hazardous materials units also responded. Decontamination tents were set up, and hospitals were alerted.
Witnesses said a daycare and a bowling alley near the fire also were evacuated.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
From Cranston Fire Department’s Deputy Chief of EMS: 14 firefighters were transported to the hospital with no serious injuries from todays 3 alarm fire.
— CranWar Fire Scanner (@cwfirescanner) January 30, 2018
First Years Learning Center (daycare) is located next door to this facility in Cranston RI. Parents arriving on scene, police assisting parents.
— RI Breaking News Source (@RIBNS) January 29, 2018
U/D Cranston RI: **3rd Alarm** 1420 Elmwood Ave. Gem-Craft Inc. Multiple mutual aid rescues to the scene. Decon being set up. Cyanide and nitric acid in the building pic.twitter.com/p36bUPD8ma
— Chris Palmer (@CJPFirePhotos) January 29, 2018
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