By George P. Hassett

Machines inside of the Rogers Foam factory at 20 Vernon St. caught fire today, producing clouds of black smoke that could be seen for miles. The fire spread from inside the factory to its tar roof which caused the smoke clouds to be thick and heavy, said Deputy Fire Chief Dave Salvi.
  One firefighter tore back ligaments during the effort to extinguish the blaze, but no one else was hurt. The building suffered extensive damage, said Salvi. He said damages were estimated, ‚Äúat least in the tens of thousands, if not hundreds.‚Äù
   The building at 20 Vernon St. also houses work space for dozens of artists, known as the Vernon Street Studios. That side of the building, he said, was not affected by the flames.