No. Prov fire station prepares to close

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - When the lights go out at the Douglas Ave. fire station in North Providence Friday night, it may be for good.

Mayor Charles Lombardi is shutting down Engine Co. 3 as a money-saving move for the town. After losing a round in court, crews will be spending Friday packing up gear to prepare the station for closing.

A Superior Court judge last week refused to issue an injunction requested by the firefighter's union to keep the station open. However in his ruling, the judge acknowledged the legal battle would probably continue.

Union leadership maintains closing the station would put public safety at risk. Lombardi disputes those claims, citing a study that said service would not be affected. He said closing the station could save taxpayers about $50,000 each year.

No firefighters are losing their jobs. Those currently stationed at Engine 3 would move to other stations in town.

It's not the first time crews have prepared the station for closure. In December, firefighters went through the same drill, until a last-minute court ruling at that time temporarily stopped the closure.