Warwick offers assistance to Mid State Lumber after fire

WARWICK — The fire that destroyed three buildings at Mid State Lumber's facility just off Kings Highway was under control by noon on Friday, April 3. Only four minor injuries to firefighters were reported.

Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton offered Mid State Lumber a temporary office at the former Mid-Orange Correctional facility but on Monday, April 6, the management of the firm requested permission from Warwick's Building Department to temporarily locate two trailers on site: one for an office and another for a lunch/employee space.

And the town has issued the permits and offered to waive any fees.

"As a community," said Sweeton, "we are so very grateful for the outstanding job done by our volunteer fire department and the over 20 additional companies as well as EMS, police and support auxiliaries who contained this fire and kept it becoming much worse. We will work with the owners of Mid State Lumber to help get them operational again as soon as possible."

Warwick Police Chief Tom McGovern, Jr. added, "It was an outstanding display of professionalism, cooperation and coordination, by all the agencies involved."

- Roger Gavan