Six buses destroyed in fire at First Student lot

October 12, 2018 10:08 am

By: Amanda Pitts

Email: alpitts@abc6.com

Twitter: @APittsABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Providence Police and the Providence Fire Department are conducting a joint investigation following a fire at the First Student bus yard Thursday night.

Six buses are deemed a total loss, and several more suffered damage from smoke and water.

First responders received the call around 7:30 p.m. after a security guard spotted the flames.

A firefighter suffered a leg injury and was transported to the hospital.

The damage of the buses totals over half a million dollars.

Officials say the fire is suspicious, but it has not been ruled arson.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said Friday morning that although the timing is odd with the ongoing strike, they are two separate issues.

“Even though the timing of it is very very suspicious and odd, I ask everyone to withhold judgment. Don’t jump to conclusions yet, let the investigation play itself out and then we can take the appropriate steps.”

Teamsters Local 251 posted on their Facebook page, saying in part that they “condemn the property damage that occurred” after they left the picket line, and said “these are our buses too”.

First Student said the loss of the buses will not hinder operations for when the strike is over.