Personnel from across Bristol County, Rhode Island respond to blaze that damaged multiple properties, killed two pet dogs

Crews from across the area extinguished a 3-alarm fire that damaged multiple properties and claimed the lives of pets.

According to Fire Chief Shaun Whalen, on Monday afternoon, Seekonk Communications received multiple 911 calls from the area of 29 Emily Way, reporting a possible building fire at that location. Seekonk Fire Department resources were dispatched along with Seekonk Police.

Seekonk Police arrived on scene confirming the home at 29 Emily Way was involved with fire. Seekonk Fire Department resources arrived to heavy fire conditions of all floors at the rear of the building, including the attic space of the 2.5 story 3,900 sq ft residential building. Rapidly developing fire conditions were also present on the street side of the home.

First arriving fire crews requested a Second Alarm be transmitted, along with the activation of a Tanker Task Force. Crews assumed a defensive posture, following the rear corner of the building collapsing within 4-5 minutes of arriving companies. Ultimately a Third (3rd) Alarm was requested for fire conditions extending to 41, 42 and potentially 54 Emily Way, caused by blowing embers and strong wind conditions. 

Fire in the exposure buildings were contained and damage to 41 Emily Way was limited to a rear deck and gutter/roof line of the home. 42 Emily Way had an outside brush fire (1/4 acre in size) extend to within 25-50 ft of the home. 

The fire was brought under control in approximately 2.5 hours.

Seekonk Fire Investigation Unit along with the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall’s Office responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time. 

Both of the families’ dogs perished in the fire. 

Communities that responded to the fire or provided coverage: 

Attleboro Fire, Rehoboth Fire Department and Rehoboth Ambulance, Pawtucket Fire, East Providence Fire, Swansea Fire, Warren Fire, Norton Fire, Providence Fire, Raynham Fire, Plainville Fire, North Attleboro Fire, Berkley Fire, and the Providence Canteen. 

Seekonk Fire Department thanked all the residents of the Emily Way neighborhood, Seekonk Communications, Seekonk Police, Seekonk DPW, Seekonk Water Department and the Seekonk Community for the out-pouring of support for the Department and the family during this very difficult time.