Fall River Mill Fire Being Investigated As Suspicious

FALL RIVER (CBS) – A fire at a Fall River mill that started early Saturday morning is being investigated as suspicious.

The fire at the vacant mill on Weaver Street was reported around 3 a.m. Fire crews had a difficult time getting the blaze under control.

Fall River District Fire Chief Doug Sullivan told WBZ there were eight large windows with heavy flames coming out of them.

"We've had problems with this mill before," he said. "There are no sprinklers to this mill, so there were no sprinklers to feed (to) to put out this fire."

Kevin Thibeault says he has equipment stored in a nearby building and couldn't believe what he saw.

"Oh, it was crazy...very crazy," he told WBZ. "(The) flames were higher than the buildings, almost catching the building in the back of it on fire."

No one was hurt in the fire, which could be seen by many around the city.

Scott Massa of Fall River says, "It was insane. I've never seen anything like it in my life." Fellow resident Tyler Surtens added, "I'm just glad nobody got hurt."

Late Saturday night, firefighters were still trying to put out hot spots at the site.

The blaze remains under investigation.