When a massive fire broke out at the Foster Parrots facility on Woodville Alton Road on April 1, firefighters from a dozen departments across the region sprang into action to provide a steady water supply to the rural property.
The fire, which had erupted in the northern end sanctuary building serving as home to hundreds of exotic birds while no one was present, killed 80 animals and threatened the lives of several hundred others. Ashaway Fire Assistant Chief Todd Allen said following the response that mutual aid and a steady supply of water from nearby sources proved vital in helping to control the blaze and prevent far more animal deaths.
"Our firefighters used a number of pumper and tanker trucks in rotation to deliver water that was collected from nearby locations, including Alton Pond and Woodville Pond," Allen said.