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February 28, 2006

Fire line was source of Providence water break

PROVIDENCE -- A break in a 16-inch high-pressure fire line was the source of water that flooded parts of Cathedral Square and four nearby buildings this morning.

The Water Supply Board said the line, which runs through the city, provides water for emergency services to buildings, such as fire hydrants.

The water began pouring from the line before 4 a.m. today, and continued for several hours. It flowed into Cathedral Square, and flooded parts of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence's Chancery building, Grace Church Apartments, Cathedral Square Apartments and Regency Plaza apartments.

Much of it was pumped away, and sand was spread. Only one fire hydrant was out of service as a result of the break, and others nearby are enough to cover the area, according to the Water Supply Board.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 5:09 PM | Permalink