Crews battle four-alarm fire on Elmwood Avenue

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@AmandaPittsTV

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Crews battled a four-alarm fire in a three-story apartment building on Elmwood Avenue in Providence Sunday afternoon.

Deputy Chief Steven Houley said the fire consumed the left side of the building, and was difficult to get under control. He commended the firefighters, saying it was tough to work in the summer heat.

"They performed unbelievably in this weather. It was all hands. We used every company on duty today."

Some residents were inside the 10-12 unit building at the time of the fire, some escaping from the back doors, others from fire ladders.

One resident was transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. Chief Houley added that up to three firefighters were being treated for unknown injuries.

Melissa Spivey, a first-floor resident, said she’s thankful she got out alive.

"I was sleeping and my boyfriend came and woke me up and when I went out the front door, the back door of that apartment was on fire. All I see was flames and I didn’t know what to do. I panicked."

Spivey has lived in the apartment for a month and a half, and said the apartment where the fire started is occupied by a man who’s currently been in the hospital for over a week. She added that she believes the fire was intentional.

"I don’t care what nobody says. This was not an accidental fire, somebody did this."

Chief Houley said they have no reason to believe at this time that it is arson. Investigators are still looking into the cause.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018