By Sam Wroblewski and Kim Kalunian, WPRO News

The massive fire which destroyed a vacant mill building on Kinsley Avenue in Providence has apparently stymied efforts by Narragansett Beer to move back to Rhode Island.

Narragansett Beer owner Mark Hellendrung told Kim Kalunian on the WPRO Morning News with Gene Valicenti that they were working with beer cooperative, Isle Brewers Guild, to bring production to the Kinsley Avenue site.

“Obviously, with the building going up in flames this is assessment mode right now,” Hellendrung said Wednesday.

Hellendrung said Narragansett Beer and Isle Brewers Guild have been eyeing the Kinsley Avenue location for more than a year. He said Tuesday’s fire was “tough news.”

“It was not entirely a done deal, but [Isle Brewers] had spent a lot of time with the state and the city authorities and the current owner,” he said. “While the timing is pretty unfortunate, we just have to figure it out at this point.”

Hellendrung said their next step is determining whether they can rebuild at the Kinsley Ave. site, or whether they should look at other spots in Providence. Despite the major setback, Hellendrung says he’s committed to bringing the production of the beer back to Rhode Island.

“It’s absolutely at the top of my list,” he said, noting that they wouldn’t bring the entire production process back to the Ocean State initially, but would gradually look to increase local production over time.

Narragansett Beer originated in Cranston, but moved out-of-state in the 1980s. After being bought by several Rhode Island investors in 2005, the brand now features several lines of Ocean State themed beer.

The owners teased a return to Rhode Island late last year. After the fire on Tuesday, Narragansett Beer sent this tweet: