by Sandy McGee
State fire officials are investigating a suspicious electrical fire extinguished early Saturday just after 1 a.m. at the Sakonnet River Bridge toll station.
The fire has been ruled as arson, according to Portsmouth Fire Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien. Both the State Fire Marshal's Office and State Police are investigating.
Portsmouth and Tiverton firefighters responded to the Portsmouth side just after 1a.m. for a report of a possible brush fire. However, the fire was discovered in the toll station, a small structure which connects to the toll gantry.
The Department of Transportation was at the bridge Saturday morning evaluating the cost of damage, which is unknown at this time.
Residents near the bridge said they could still smell burning wires Saturday morning.
The fire comes only a day before a planned protest on the bridge, which spans Portsmouth and Tiverton.
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