Home»Fire Incidents»2009 Incidents»Working Fire Cumberland, RI 35 Hopkins Terrace May 30, 2009

Cumberland, RI – Several calls reporting a building fire at 35 Hopkins Terrace was received at Cumberland Fire Dispatch around 1930hrs on May 30, 2009. Cumberland stilled out Stations 1, 2, 4, 5 and Rescue 2 as the phones rang in the background. The police cruiser on patrol arrived first reporting heavy smoke showing from a 20x30 1.5sty wood framed occupied dwelling. The firefighters from Station 1 arrived to find heavy fire conditions from side 1 on the second floor. The first line was stretched into action as the fire was rolling overhead. The OIC pulled everyone out due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions. Big lines were placed in operation by the next arriving companies. The fire broke through the roof line on the 1-4 corner and along the side 4 eaves. The heavy smoke column could be seen for miles. The fire was knocked down in 40 minutes allowing companies to return inside for overhaul. Mutual aid from Lincoln Stations 2 and 4 and Woonsocket Engine 4 covered the empty firehouses. One firefighter did receive a minor injury. He was treated on scene for minor burns. The occupants were home at the time of the fire. The homeowner’s child reported that his air conditioner was on fire as the family fled the home to safety. The child tried douse the flames with a garden hose as his mom called 911. The official cause is under investigation by the town of Cumberland Fire and Police and Rhode Island Fire Marshal’s Office. Check this out... I was working my second night in the firehouse. I was out on a medical run clearing the hospital as this fire broke out. My partner and I "happened" by this fire by taking a few wrong turns. The smoke was pushing black acrid smoke which was visible for miles. We drove the rescue into the nearby nursing home driveway, saw the heavy fire and a light bulb turned on in my mind.....use the camera phone or quickly drive a mile to my firehouse to get my camera...we quickly left the scene to retreive my gear. This is what I was able to take in before my portable radio keyed up saying, " Fire alarm to Rescue 4, are you availiable for a run?" ughhh freaking work!!!!!!