Press Statement on Rhode Island Recycled Metals Fire
Fire at Rhode Island Recycled Metals Facility Continues to Threaten the Health of Providence Residents and Bay
PROVIDENCE (July 10, 2024)—Today, another fire originated at the Rhode Island Recycled Metals facility in South Providence. Today’s fire occurred three months to the day of the previous fire at the facility on April 10, 2024.
Save The Bay staff witnessed the fire from the water and saw how quickly the smoke spread across the Providence River and to surrounding communities. Click here for photos and video from our staff.
Mike Jarbeau, Narragansett Baykeeper for Save The Bay, was on the scene and commented on the repeated fires originating from the facility:
“How many times does this place need to catch fire before it is shut down? These fires put the lives of first responders at risk, jeopardize the health of nearby residents and people who work on the waterfront, and the health of the river and the bay. Enough is enough.”
Save The Bay joins the call of many advocates and neighbors for RI Recycled Metals to be shut down once and for all.
About Save The Bay
Founded in 1970, the Rhode Island-based nonprofit Save The Bay seeks to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its 1,705-square-mile watershed. The organization works to achieve its vision of a fully swimmable, fishable Narragansett Bay, accessible to all, through its advocacy, education, and habitat restoration and adaptation work. Learn more about Save The Bay at www.savebay.org.