Firefighters walk amid rubble from yesterday’s building collapse in Providence. Heavy rains may have been the cause.

The Providence Journal / Glenn Osmundson

PROVIDENCE — Heavy rains yesterday may have been behind the roof collapse of a two-story commercial building, which forced the city to close off a portion of Orms Street in the Smith Hill area at least until today.

Battalion Chief Tom Brearley said inspectors were still trying to determine the cause of the roof collapse at 327 Orms St., but the accumulation of water on the flat roof may have been a contributing factor.

The building, which was vacant, was built in 1913 and was home most recently to an auto body and repair shop. It was only a few yards to the west of Smith Street. Brearley said the collapse started a chain reaction, causing the second floor to collapse onto the first floor, forcing bricks and debris onto the street. There were no injuries.

Because of the possibility that more of the building may collapse, Brearley said, the seven residents of a two-story house next door at 329 Orms St. were told they had to evacuate and find other overnight shelter. The chief said the portion of Orms Street between Smith and Esten streets will remain closed at least until the former auto body shop has been demolished, probably today.

rdujardi@projo.com