Off-duty Warwick Police Captain credited with saving Cranston family from house fire

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A Warwick Police Captain was credited with rescuing a Cranston family from a house fire while off-duty on July 5, according to Cranston police.

Around 11:15 p.m., Captain Charles Boisseau was on his way home from work when he saw a trash can on fire in front of a home on Whispering Pines Drive.

Police said Boisseau immediately got out of his vehicle and called 911, before banging on the door to alert the sleeping residents.

Boisseau then searched for a hose to combat the flames, and after making contact with the homeowner, both attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose.

Police said the flames began to extend to the garage and home due to insufficient water pressure from the hose, which promoted Boisseau to call 911 again at 11:21 p.m.

Boisseau and the homeowner then entered the home, which was “becoming engulfed in flames,” to rescue the homeowner’s wife and three children.

All occupants were able to get out of the home, and nobody was injured.

Cranston firefighters responded and contained the fire to the northwest section of the home. The rest of the house had water and smoke damage.

Police believe the fire was caused by fireworks that had been improperly disposed of.

“This incident highlights both the heroism of Captain Boisseau and the hidden dangers associated with consumer fireworks,” Cranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist said. “Had it not been for his immediate actions, the outcome could have been tragic. We commend his bravery and selflessness in risking his safety to save others.”

The Cranston Police Department is also using this incident as a reminder to “properly soak and dispose of used fireworks in a metal container away from combustible materials and structures, even after dousing them with water.”