A multi-building fire in downtown Fall River kept crews battling heavy flames throughout the night into early Friday morning, leaving three commercial structures damaged and triggering an active arson investigation.
The blaze was first reported just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 26 Rodman St., near the intersection of South Main Street. First-arriving firefighters encountered heavy flames consuming the rear of the building.
According to Fall River Fire Department District Chief Sean Flannery, the fire quickly escalated, spreading through the initial structure before extending into two adjacent commercial buildings. Thick smoke and massive flames poured from the structures as crews worked through the night to contain the damage.
Only one injury was reported: a firefighter sustained a laceration on the scene but was treated on-site and remained on duty without requiring hospital transport.
Fire crews remained at the corner of Rodman and South Main streets on Friday, Sept. 24, actively working the scene to overhaul hot spots and assess the extensive structural damage.
The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation. Interim Police Chief J.T. Hoar confirmed that authorities are treating the Sept. 23 incident as a suspected arson, according to local reports from The Herald News.
