UPDATE: Abandoned Providence building subject to fast-tracked demo after fire

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An abandoned building on Pine Street in Providence has been condemned and is now subject to an expedited demolition after it was the scene of a third fire in under two years.

According to Michaela Antunes, Providence Economic Development Director of Communications, an emergency exception will allow for the removal of the 431 Pine Street building:

“Due to the urgency of the structure’s unsafe condition and repeated fire incidents, DIS (Department of Inspection and Standards) is applying the emergency exception in the demolition ordinance to remove the building at 431 Pine Street without the delays created by a standard notification process.”

Also according to Antunes, the building owner has been directed several times to demolish the structure.

A RAZE permit to initiate demolition is in the works at this time, along with utility shutoffs to “allow demolition to begin immediately.”