Newport Firefighters Know How Powel Avenue House Fire Started

NEWPORT, RI—Crews battled a three-alarm fire Sunday in a multifamily home on Powel Avenue across from Newport Hospital. According to fire Capt. Paul Faerber, the cause has now been determined. The fire started in an "unattended gas grill" on a second floor rear deck.

The residents escaped unharmed. However, one pet, a cat, died, and one firefighter was hurt. The firefighter was treated at the hospital and released.

The first alarm came at 2:50 p.m., he said. Seven people were in the house. Five lived there, and two were visiting. The Red Cross is helping them find accommodations. The building is uninhabitable.Part of the roof collapsed during the fire.

Two pets, both cats, were missing initially. One was found safe, but the other did not make it.

Capt. Faerber was at the scene all morning Monday with the investigation.

The fire took several hours to put out, he said. Jamestown, North Kingstown, and Middletown sent engines. Portsmouth, and the Navy base also responded. The Newport firefighters were released at 7:15 p.m. However, one firefighter stayed at the property all night to guard against flare-ups.