Last modified: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:14 AM EDT

Sprinkler system halts mill blaze in Seekonk

SEEKONK - A sprinkler system at an old mill complex on Maple Avenue kept a machine fire in check until firefighters arrived to extinguish the smoky blaze Tuesday afternoon.

The fire was reported just before 1 p.m. at ROC Realty at 36 Maple Ave., off Route 152 and on the banks of the Ten Mile River, Fire Chief Alan Jack said.

The building houses several business, including a jewelry manufacturer where the fire occurred, the fire chief said.

The sprinklers kept the fire contained to a polishing machine and an area around it, including the roof, before it was put out by firefighters, Jack said.

Damage to the business was minimal and was mostly from smoke, he said.

Firefighters had to get to the fire by traveling down a dirt road along the Ten Mile River, Jack said.

Attleboro firefighters assisted with an engine company.