Home deemed total loss after 4-alarm fire in Cumberland, extreme heat major component
CUMBERLAND, R.I (WLNE) – Crews battled a 4-alarm fire on Gould Street in Cumberland Wednesday.
Fire officials said the home caught fire around 9:30 a.m. Multiple crews from across Rhode Island and Massachusetts assisted as mutual aid due to the extreme heat.
The State Fire Marshall told ABC6 crews rotated in and out of the home every five minutes to prevent injuries and heat exhaustion.
Cumberland Fire Deputy Chief said several firefighters were treated on scene for heat exhaustion, but none were transported to the hospital. The temperature was as high as 90 degrees in Cumberland as fire tore through the home.
When asked how heavy the gear was in addition to the equipment firefighters had to carry, Deputy Chief McCabe said, “A fully outfitted firefighter with hand tools, air packs…it probably adds sixty pounds.”
The home was deemed a total loss.
The State Fire Marshall said no one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
