Wind-Swept Blaze's Cause Sought

No word yet on what caused a fire at an old Rhode Island mill complex that spread to 13 homes because of high winds.

Hundreds of residents fled their homes in Pawtucket as the wind-propelled fire tore through the mill and burning embers spread the blaze to the homes.

Seven houses were destroyed and six others damaged. Police and fire officials say they're seeking videotape of the fire to use in the investigation.

The wind, gusting up to 45 mph at times, hampered firefighters' efforts against the blaze, which broke out at the former Greenhalgh Mills complex Friday afternoon. Saturday morning, firefighters were still putting out hot spots.

"I've been praying a lot," said Angelo Segalla, who lives nearby. He left with his wife and children, but some of his neighbors stayed to hose down their roofs in hopes of saving their homes.

The mill, which produced acetate, a silky fabric used in linings for coats and dresses, had been closed since 1998 and the property was slated for conversion into a shopping complex. Fire officials did not know if it contained any hazardous chemicals.

Fourteen firefighters suffered minor injuries or smoke inhalation battling the blaze, Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle said. No deaths were reported, but 24 people were evaluated at a nearby hospital, including three who were admitted with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.

Toy maker Hasbro Inc., a Pawtucket-based business, donated $25,000 to the Red Cross to help pay for an emergency shelter for those affected by the fire. The money is also intended to cover some of their immediate needs.

"These are people who live where we have our facility, and it's very important that someone reaches out to try to help," said Hasbro spokesman Wayne Charness.

Thousands in town lost power, and as many as 200 people were evacuated from the neighborhood. Students from an elementary school a block away covered their noses and mouths against the smoke as they left school.

Around the block from the old mill, Jean Langborg, 53, had tossed her crutches aside and was busily sweeping leaves away from her house with a broom.

"I just got through a divorce, and I'm trying to keep the house, and I'm not about to lose it to a fire," she said as embers floated around her.

Plumes of thick smoke billowed from the complex for hours as firefighters fought the blaze through the howling wind. Fire Capt. Barry Phillips said there was zero-visibility on the front lines.

"There was fire, water and smoke all around us," he said. "Burning embers were hitting us in the face."