Neronha launches investigation into Harborside Inn fire

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WLNE) — During a meeting Thursday, Block Island’s town council announced that Rhode Attorney General Peter Neronha has begun investigating the Harborside Inn fire.

Neronha and his office told ABC 6 that they began the investigation alongside the state fire marshal.

The office’s statement read in part: “The Attorney General’s Office has recently received copies of the Fire Marshal’s investigative materials and will review those materials further to determine if there was any criminal conduct arising out of their investigation.”

The town council Thursday morning asked both the state fire marshal and Neronha to keep them informed on the investigation’s findings.

“We learn a new piece of news every day that makes us realize how lucky we were,” Councilman Keith Stover said. “I think this is, based upon what we know, something that really demands the kind of investigation that is occurring.”

The Providence Journal reports that a possible cause of the Aug. 18 fire at the Harborside Inn was the buildup of grease in the hood in the kitchen.

Neronha and his office said they will look into possible failure of inspection or prevention protocols for the building.