Demolition Begins of Fire-Ravaged Mill in R.I.

The owner of a historic mill building in Woonsocket, Rhode Island destroyed in a massive fire that broke out Tuesday says demolition of the structure has begun.

Steven Triedman, of American Wood Pellet Co., says he received a verbal demolition order from the city on Wednesday. He says he does not know how long it will take to level what remains of the 122-year-old mill building, most of whose roof collapsed.

The building, the old Alice Mill Rubber Manufacturing Plant, was destroyed in a mammoth blaze that officials have said was accidental. State Fire Marshal Jack Chartier said residual heat from a construction worker’s blow torch sparked the fire.

Triedman says his company’s intention is to rebuild at the site.