Fire near building, train tracks started in homeless encampment

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A brush fire that started in a homeless encampment in Providence nearly reached a nearby business.

The fire happened at about 5 a.m. Tuesday near Whitehall Street.

There was no sign of any people who stayed at that encampment when firefighters arrived.

Initially, firefighters said they struggled to find the fire in the brush. A hose had to be stretched nearly 800 feet behind the ABC Supply Co. building.

The location of the fire near the building made its possible spread dangerous, according to firefighters.

There are also Amtrak train tracks next to that area of brush, which caused additional concern for firefighter safety.

No injuries were reported.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.