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February 12, 2008

North Smithfield family loses home in fire

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Red Cross is providing shelter, food and clothing to three adults and three children whose North Smithfield home was destroyed by fire this morning.

Firefighters responded to the fire reported at 8:51 a.m. at 492 Farnum Pike. Heavy flames and smoke were visible from two sides of the first floor of the two-story wood-frame house, according to Joel Jillson, chief of North Smithfield Fire and Rescue Service. Once responders opened the roof, the fire was brought under control within an hour.

All people were out safely. Four pets were lost in the fire.

The fire's cause was not yet known, Jillson said, but the local fire marshal is working with the state fire marshal on the investigation.

Marisa Albanese, Red Cross community relations director, said in a news release that the chapter typically spends $1,000 per family of four and that all Red Cross disaster assistance is provided to clients free of cost to them, due to contributions from people and organizations.

The Red Cross news released encouraged people and local businesses to send a donation to the Rhode Island Chapter at 105 Gano Street, Providence, R.I., 02906 or online at www.riredcross.org.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 2:31 PM | Permalink

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