Six people were displaced from a Hobart Street home Tuesday after fire officials said an improperly discarded cigarette caused a fire that worked its way inside the southern wall of the home, damaing the three-unit apartment house.
Westerly Fire Chief John Mackay said the blaze, which was reported by second-floor residents of the 24 Hobart St. home at 11:47 a.m., climbed quickly inside the walls. Firefighters and neighbors reported some smoke coming from the building, but fire damage to the exterior of the home was limited. The fire was initially believed to have started in the wall, but further investigation by the Rhode Island Fire Marshal’s office revealed the cause to be a cigarette that was improperly discarded, leading the fire to spread into the wall. The exact location of where the fire started was not released.
Bethany Gingeralla, chief of The Westerly Ambulance Corps, said there were no injuries. Gingerella, who was on scene along with two ambulance crews as a precaution, said those displaced were working with the American Red Cross.
Police closed Hobart at the intersection of John Street and Cross Street, while John Street was closed at Route 1 for just over an hour as responders battled the blaze, ventilated the home and combated flare-ups.