Around 2:00 p.m. on April 27, crews from the East Greenwich Firefighters Association IAFF Local 3328 arrived at 173 Main Street in response to a suspected structural problem.

In order to safeguard the public and staff, firemen created a collapse zone and, as a precaution, evacuated the building and a nearby structure. Units managed the situation and kept an eye on the situation for several hours.

Firefighters from Warwick, North Kingstown, and West Warwick offered mutual aid support in addition to station coverage.

Local companies and the Special Signal Fire Association/Providence Canteen gave additional assistance by giving crews food and water throughout prolonged operations.