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February 1, 2008

Update: 1 dead in fire on Providence's East Side/ Photo

Journal photo/ Bill Murphy
An unidentified friend of a man killed in a fire this morning is comforted by Deborah Blazer (right) at the scene of the fire at 75 Lauriston Street.

PROVIDENCE -- A middle-aged man is dead after a fire on the city's East Side, Providence Fire Department Chief George Farrell said.

It was the second fatal fire in Rhode Island in the past two days.

The fire was reported at about 5:30 a.m. at 75 Lauriston St.

According to Farrell, a neighbor saw smoke and knocked on the door of the Rochambeau Street fire station to report it. At the same time, Farrell said, someone called 9-1-1.

In all, about 35 firefighters from several different fire companies responded to the 2 1/2 story building. Six fire trucks were still on the scene at about 7:20 a.m. as friends of the victim began arriving on the scene.

According Farrell, firefighters found the victim in the front doorway. He was the only person in the house. His name has not been released by authorities.

By 7:30 a.m., firefighters' flashlights shone from inside the house and all of the side and front second-story windows were knocked out.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

In less than 24 hours yesterday, one person died, two were hospitalized and two firefighters suffered injuries in fires at four houses across the state.

In East Providence early yesterday, James Marinelli, 42, died in a fire at 39 Peck Ave. His mother, Theresa, 70, was rescued by firefighters and taken to the hospital.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 9:31 AM | Permalink

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Melissa | February 1, 2008 11:24 AM link

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