Cause determined after Fall River multi-family home damaged by early morning porch fire

The cause has been determined after an early morning fire in Fall River on Wednesday.

According to Deputy Neil Furtado, at just before 12:45 a.m., the fire department was called to 11 North Court Street for a report of flames coming from the first-floor apartment.

Units responding to the call included Engines 2, 6, 12, Platform 1, Ladder 4, Heavy Rescue 1, and Command Unit Car 2.

Once on the scene, flames were observed coming from the front porch. Engine 12 used a hose line to extinguish the fire. Platform-1 and Engine-2 removed vinyl siding and plywood from the porch to expose any hidden fire. The fire was contained to the porch.

A primary search of the 1^st and 2nd floors were conducted without having to force entry, however, Heavy Rescue-1 did force entry to the 3rd floor and conduct a primary search. All occupants were out of the home without injury. No occupants were displaced.

An on-call fire investigator was called to the scene to investigate the fire and it was determined that the blaze started from carless disposal of smoking products. The city building inspector was also notified and made aware of the fire.

Damage is estimated at around $5,000 to 10,000 with property saved at over $500,000.  

Also assisting in the incident were multiple members of the Fall River Police Department.