Fall River firefighters battle flames, thick smoke as late-night fire damages three businesses, cat found deceased

The Fall River Fire Department battled flames and thick smoke from a commercial building late Saturday that became a three alarm.

Just after 10:00 p.m., Fall River Police reported heavy smoke showing at 65 Manchester Street.

Upon arrival, firefighters began attacking the flames of the large structure that houses an auto body business and an ambulance company.

Chief Roger St. Martin confirmed that the preliminary investigation suggests that welding sparks started the blaze.

“Damage to the business was substantial. There was another business attached to the west and another 4 feet away to the north sustaining damage.”

Fall River Reporter unfortunately discovered a deceased cat at the scene.

One person was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

All of the occupants had made it out of the building by the time responders arrived on scene.