PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island Recycled Metals suspects arson caused a fire that broke out at the scrap-metal yard overnight and filled the Providence sky with smoke.

Patrick Sweeney, a spokesperson for the scrap-metal yard, said the fire started around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday in one of the company's iron piles, which he said is made up of non-combustible materials. He said it started just hours after "trespassers had to be removed from the area."

"We suspect this is a case of arson," Sweeney told Target 12. "A review of surveillance footage is currently underway to get a better understanding of what transpired. We’ll continue to work with Providence fire and police as the investigation continues."

Sweeney thanked first responders for quickly responding and putting out the fire. Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva confirmed firefighters responded around 11:35 p.m. to find a 100 foot by 100 foot metal scrap pile on fire, which they quickly worked to put out.

"We're still on scene with the cooperation of staff from R.I. [Recycled] Metals where we'll work to break apart the pile and ensure it's fully extinguished," Silva said.

"We expect to be on scene for a few more hours," he added. "Fortunately, no one was injured and the cause is under investigation."

The fire at R.I. Recycled Metals — which is a separate entity from the nearby Sims Metal scrapyard — created a thick plume of black smoke that billowed over I-95.

The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) was called to the scene and determined water run-off and air pollution were not a concern.

R.I. Recycled Metals is currently at odds with the state over a $25,000 environmental fine and with the city over nearly $160,000 in back taxes that the embattled scrapyard has been ordered to pay.