Fires in Riverside being investigated as ‘suspicious’

By: Rebecca Turco
Email: rturco@abc6.com

RIVERSIDE, R.I. – East Providence Police are deeming two fires that happened outside houses across the street from each other "suspicious."

The fires happened sometime around 2:30 a.m. Monday. A boat and a truck outside 99 Earl Avenue were engulfed in flames, as well as a car across the street at 9 East Knowlton Street.

"My husband says: fire, fire, George’s house is on fire," exclaimed Kathleen Logan. She and her husband rushed outside their East Knowlton Street home. Her husband dialed 911 and George Bell, who owns the house on Earl Avenue.

"I came out the door and everything was totally on fire," Bell explained. "Then in another two seconds, the whole front of the garage went up [in flames]…It was so hot, I got burned from the fire, walking out the door."

A short time later, Logan heard her car’s horn going off and found that her car was also on fire.

East Providence Police tell ABC6 that they are investigating the fires as suspicious but believe they were random, not targeted.

Logan and Bell can’t imagine who would do such a thing. "We have never had any problems in this neighborhood," she said. "Everybody gets along."

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the East Providence Fire Department are also investigating.

Authorities are warning neighbors to remain vigilant, especially overnight. Anyone with information is urged to call police.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016