WPRO News
Rhode Island State Police say they are investigating an early morning fire at Schartner Farms in Exeter.
The blaze started just before dawn Thursday morning in a commercial building at the intersection of South County Trail and Arnold Place and prompted closings along route 102.
North Kingstown Fire Chief Fenwick Gardnier Jr. said the construction of the building made it difficult for fire fighters to extinguish the flames. At one point, fire fighters were on the roof with axes to get access tot he contained fire.
“The basics of trying to get water on the base of the fire, because of the type of construction was our main obstacle,” said Gardnier.
Gardnier said the main farm stand building which contained the farm’s offices was completely gutted by the fire, however the adjacent greenhouses are still intact.
The 150 acre farm has been open since 1902 and is known for selling a mix of fresh produce and baked goods.
Investigators are still determining what caused the fire, however there were no reported injuries.
