Fire damages 2 Providence homes; 5 families displaced
by: Melanie DaSilva, Jusolyn Flower
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — An investigation is underway after a fire destroyed two homes early Friday morning in Providence.
Sixty-seven firefighters responded to Laurel Hill Avenue just after 11 a.m. to find both homes engulfed in heavy smoke and flames, according to Chief Derek Silva on X.
Deputy Assistant Chief Robert Jackson reported that both homes are likely a total loss, displacing five families, consisting of 14 children and adults.
“Heavy fire upon arrival in both buildings and we did have a report of people in the building, which, it turned out, everybody was out,” Jackson said.
No injuries were reported; however, one occupant was evaluated.
Preliminary information indicates the fire originated in one home and spread to the other. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Jackson noted that a fire broke out at the same location nearly a decade ago, though he couldn’t remember the cause.
“Same spot, same — fire was in the middle of both buildings. The same type of scenario,” he said. “It’s strange. Still under investigation, at this time.”
