Parts of SAI destroyed in Wednesday night blaze

Parts of the complex were fully involved when firefighters first arrived. (Courtesy Rochester Fire)

ROCHESTER - City firefighters battled a three-alarm blaze Wednesday night at Spaulding Ave Industrial with mutual aid responding from as far away as Alton and Portsmouth.

The stubborn blaze was reported around 11:30 p.m. and kept firefighters busy throughout much of the night as hydrants malfunctioned due to power issues and water to quench the flames were hard to come by.

Firefighters finally were able to gain water from a nearby pond to quell the flames.

Several vehicles and a tractor trailer were also damaged in the fire.

Firefighters, however, were able to douse the flames before they spread to the main building.

Prior to gaining water purchase from the pond, tankers shuttled water from a hydant on Milton Road.

The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Spaulding Ave Industrial is the former site of the Tilitson health care factory.