Ripple Effect Of Fire Shortages Felt Across RI

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Rhode Island mutual aid was put to the test this weekend as several towns had to pitch in for coverage during a rash of blazes while neighboring towns were covering for other departments.

In North Kingstown, partners from Warwick, Narragansett and Exeter helped North Kingstown fire bring under control a blaze that consumed two buildings, including a barn, on Corey Avenue on Sunday. Because half of North Kingstown fire personnel were tied up fighting a fire in East Greenwich — where eight of the 33 firefighters in the department are under new coronavirus quarantine —the assistance was needed to knock down the fire that reached two alarms.

In East Greenwich, crews responded to a fire on Laurel Lane. That fire was kept from spreading to the house with the help of support from North Kingstown, Central Coventry and Cranston air assistance. East Greenwich police assisted on the scene, while West Warwick and Warwick helped with station coverage ad Providence Canteen supplied rehab.

Related Patch Coverage: 8 East Greenwich Firefighters In Coronavirus Quarantine