Crews across southern New England respond to significant residential blaze; here is what caused it

Crews from all over the area combined to extinguish a large residential fire over the weekend.

According to the Tiverton Fire Department, on Sunday, at just after 9:15 p.m., the Tiverton Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 178 Deer Run Road.

Because the southern portion of Tiverton lacks municipal water and fire hydrants, tanker trucks are essential for shuttling water to fires in that area. Based on initial reports from the Tiverton Police Department, the Tanker Task Force was activated and a 2nd alarm was requested prior to the arrival of fire crews.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire showing from three sides of the attached garage, with fire already extending into the attic of the home. Two vehicles parked in the driveway were also on fire. All occupants had safely escaped the residence prior to the arrival of firefighters.

Fire crews simultaneously initiated an interior attack to stop the fire’s spread through the attic while other crews conducted an exterior attack on the garage and vehicles. A 3rd alarm was requested to bring additional personnel to the scene.

The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour. Firefighters remained on scene for several more hours conducting overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots.

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

The fire was investigated by the Tiverton Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, due to the improper disposal of fireworks.

Mutual aid was provided by the Little Compton, Westport, Fall River, Portsmouth, Middletown, Dartmouth District 3, Newport Naval Station, Bristol, Warren, and Swansea Fire Departments. Additional tankers from Berkley, Acushnet, Lakeville, and Raynham were responding but were cancelled while enroute. The Providence Canteen responded to provide rehab services for firefighters operating at the scene.

The Tiverton Fire Department thanked all of our mutual aid partners for their assistance during this incident.