Investigators: Laurel Hill Ave fire caused by carelessly discarded cigarette

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

Investigators have concluded that the massive 4-alarm fire on Laurel Hill Ave two weeks ago was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

The Providence Arson Squad conducted interviews and viewed surveillance video and determined that when the cigarette was discarded, it ignited leaf litter along a wooden fence between two houses.

Investigators say the "rapidity of the fire spread was greatly intensified by winds that gusted to over 50 mph."

Both properties, 115-119 Laurel Hill Ave, sustained significant damage and are uninhabitable. Twenty tenants were displaced.

Eight firefighters were injured fighting this blaze. 

(C) WLNE/TV 2016