Police officer helps evacuate residents from West Warwick fire

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) —Crews spent Saturday sorting through rubble, and boarding up what’s left of a multi-family home on Curson Street in West Warwick, hours after a massive fire tore through it early Saturday morning.

“When I got home I saw people running down the road, there were people trying to kick down the door,” said neighbor Lauren Normandin. 

Among the first to jump into action was rookie West Warwick Police Officer Brian Goetz, who saw the flames while patrolling the area.

“This isn’t my first house fire, and I’ve seen how quickly they spread, and there was no time to wait,” said Goetz.

Officer Goetz says instinct kicked in, and he ran into the burning home before firefighters arrived.

“Forced my way in. I got one guy out, from the first floor, lived himself. Officers arrived on scene to help me out, evacuate the rest of the building and adjacent house next door,” said Goetz.

Thanks in large part to Goetz’s quick thinking, all 11 people inside made it out. Two residents were seriously hurt, and remain in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

“I was at the right place at the right time,” said Goetz. “I’m just thankful that I was there before it really got bad.”

The fire quickly spread, with firefighters spending three hours trying to get it out. They were ordered out of the home at one point, when flames became too intense.

Damage to the home is extensive.

“My house burned down in March, so I definitely know the feeling and it’s not a good thing,” said Normandin.

But residents are thankful to be alive, and Officer Goetz is glad he was able to help.

“I’m not looking for anyone to thank me. I’m just doing my job,” said Goetz.

Officials say it looks like the fire started on the second floor, but the State Fire Marshal’s office is looking into what exactly caused it.

The Red Cross is helping the families who have been displaced.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018