Four hospitalized after Woonsocket 5th alarm fire

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The Woonsocket Fire Department responded to a fire at a multi-family building in the city this evening.

Fire Chief Bob Cahill said crews responded to a call at 5:20 p.m. on Monday and found heavy fire coming from the third-floor porch area and windows.

Two people with minor injuries and two firefighters with heat exhaustion were taken to the hospital.

Two cats were pulled from the fire and taken by the animal control officer for care; multiple pets are still unaccounted for.

Cahill says it was called a 5th alarm fire due to the heat and the number of firefighters brought in to help. 40-50 were brought in to put out the blaze.

The State Fire Marshall and local firefighters will investigate the cause.

The building is likely to be a total loss, Cahill said.