Prudence Island Fire Engulfs 3 Houses

PORTSMOUTH, RI — A massive fire engulfed three homes on Prudence Island late Thursday night. Fire departments from across the state were called in to help fight the blaze.

According to the Portsmouth Fire Department, the fire was reported just before 11 p.m. When firefighters arrived at the island just a few minutes later, the fire had already extended to three buildings, with two others "in potential harm." Marine crews were called in from Newport, Middletown and Bristol to fight the blaze, and North Kingstown, Warwick, Cranston and Providence responded in case further assistance was needed.

By 1 a.m., the fire was under control, and the mutual aid crews were sent home by 2 a.m., the department said. Portsmouth firefighters stayed at the site throughout the day Friday to extinguish any remaining hot spots.