100 residents evacuated from Cranston apartment fire

Nearly 100 residents fled an apartment building in Cranston, Rhode Island, on Monday after a fire started on the ground floor.

The blaze originated in Harris House, a building that houses many older adults and individuals with disabilities. Firefighters reported that water damage from the extinguishing efforts left approximately 20 people displaced. One resident was hospitalized for evaluation after inhaling smoke but was released shortly after.

Battalion Chief John Nottell Jr. described the evacuation as a major rescue operation. He noted that all residents got out safely despite the smoke filling the structure. Nottell Jr. stated that the situation could have been much worse.

Loretta Freitas, who uses a wheelchair, was among those evacuated. The building elevators were not working, so a firefighter carried her down the stairs to safety. Freitas said the alarm sounded and the elevators were out of service, but the firefighter was able to lift her. She was transported to a hospital to check for smoke inhalation. Freitas said she felt fine upon returning and that everyone was safe.

Lisa French, another resident, decided to leave her unit after seeing a large amount of smoke from her balcony. French said she usually follows advice to stay inside during alarms, but the volume of smoke changed her mind. She said she was glad she left. A resident told reporters off camera that the fire began when an electric bicycle battery exploded inside an apartment. Fire authorities have not yet confirmed the cause, but other residents expressed concern about the safety of these devices.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. Nottell Jr. explained that the organization is working with the residents to determine if they need to be relocated, depending on the extent of the damage in the hallways and other areas. Dozens of residents were taken by RIPTA buses to a local senior center while firefighters worked on the scene.