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Demolition Begins On Burned Out Woonsocket, RI Mill

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (AP) -- The owner of a historic mill building in Woonsocket 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.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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