Shortly after 4pm, on the afternoon of May 3, 2008, Providence firefighters transmitted a second alarm on arrival of a well involved vacant home on Westminster Street, in the Olneyville section of the city. Heavy fire and smoke was issuing from the front and side of the building. Defensive operations were immediately established in order to protect nearby exposures. A third alarm was transmitted shortly afterwards as firefighters stretched numerous handlines and placed several tower ladders and ladder pipes into service.