Home»Fire Incidents»2009 Incidents»3rd Alarm North Smithfield, RI 373 Eddie Dowling Highway (Rte-146A) January 5, 2009

North Smithfield, RI (Providence County)- The North Smithfield, RI firefighters were faced with another multiple alarm in 12 days. This time the North Smithfield, RI Fire Dispatch was notified of a dwelling fire at 373 Eddie Dowling Highway (Rte-146A) around 4:15hrs on January 5, 2009. Engine 1 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from an irregular shaped 1 and 2 story wood frame dwelling. The occupants that were home at the time of the fire escaped safely without injuries. Engine 1 stretched an 1.75" attack line in through the front door and found heavy fire rolling through the center portion of the dwelling. The fire was rapidly progressing as next due companies arrived on scene. The incident commander requested a 2nd alarm tanker task force due to lack of hydrants on that section of roadway. The fire extended from the first floor into the attic area and to the walls of the second floor addition over the garage on side 2. The fire broke through the roof line of the second floor while companies were inside opening up. An aggressive attack by the interior firefighters knocked the spreading fire that was taking charge in the attic space. A third alarm for tankers and coverage had now been struck bringing in mutual aid from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The evening rush hour was now being hampered by this fire as both sides of Route 146A were now closed forcing motorist to find alternate paths home. Companies remained on scene for hours chasing hot spots and overhauling. The fire was possibly caused by a fireplace chimney but is under full investigation by the North Smithfield Fire Department and State Fire Marshals offices.