Russian sub catches fire in RI waters

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Fire crews rushed to the scene of a structure fire in local waters off Allens Avenue in Providence Friday around 1:30 p.m.

Heavy plumes of smoke could be seen pouring out of the structure. Eyewitness News has learned that the structure is actually a Russian submarine which was lifted in order to be dismantled.

The fire chief says that workers dismantling the submarine for scrap metal accidentally ignited an insulation fire with fuel.

He said firefighters had no access to the barge from the shore side - so crews called in the marine strike team to help fight the fire.

"Companies got on the boat and found that welders operating on the boat has ignited some fuel oil in the bilge of the Russian submarine. The burning fuel extended to the insulation that was there in the bilge area," said Chief Michael Dillon.

It took crews about two hours to get the fire under control.

There's no word on what caused the fire. No word on any injuries.