3-alarm fire in Coventry caused by a generator

February 25, 2019 10:04 pm

Officials say a three-alarm fire that destroyed a house in Coventry Monday night was caused by a generator.

The fire started around 9 p.m. at the house on Plainfield Pike near Waterman Road.

Mutual aid came in from surrounding departments, including Hopkins Hill.

Firefighters also activated a tanker task force from Exeter and Richmond.

Officials say the fire started from a portable generator catching fire, which the residents used after they lost power in the high winds.

Western Coventry Fire Chief James Cady says the generator was surrounded by flammable materials and was in an enclosed place. It heated up, caught fire, and spread to the home.

“Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations on the generators and make sure there’s plenty of space around the generator. They need air to run and they do get warm,” said Cady.

Everyone inside got out safely. There were no injuries.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.