State Fire Marshal to provide update on investigation into Harborside Inn fire

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — State Fire Marshal Timothy McLaughlin will speak to media on Tuesday on the fire that tore through Block Island’s Harborside Inn in August.

He will answer questions at the Warwick office regarding the ongoing investigation on the fire that left the historic building a total loss.

Last week, the New Shoreham Town Council announced that Attorney General Peter Neronha got involved to see if there was any criminal conduct.

The hotel was demolished the week of Sept. 11.

The Providence Journal reported that the flames could gave been caused by a grease buildup in the kitchen.

Neronha said part of his office’s investigation involved looking into a possible failure of inspection protocols for the building.