Rhode Island Roof Collapse Just Misses Fire Fighters
Fire fighters attacking a restaurant fire in North Kingstown, R.I., last April 27 were pulled from the concrete block and wood building just before the roof collapsed. When the air-conditioning and gas-fed heating equipment on the roof fell inside, the gas supply pipes broke and presented another serious problem.
The fire had been reported at 10:12 p.m. by a passerby who saw smoke coming from Custy’s Restaurant. Initial response was two engines, a 100-foot aerial ladder truck, a rescue truck and a deputy chief. On arrival another engine was requested.
The first engine stretched a 2½ -inch preconnected line to the front entrance and carried it into the main dining room and bar area. Fire was spreading rapidly. Shortly after the attack began, portions of the ceiling started falling. The lieutenant brought the line and personnel back out. Meanwhile the department chief arrived and noted fire through the roof in the area where other personnel were operating. He ordered everyone out; then the roof fell.
Because of many alterations to the building and parking lot, the gas shutoff was covered by road surfacing material and could not be readily located. Another shutoff at the meter in the basement was blocked by the collapsed roof. A gas company employee, assisted by fire fighters, used a makeshift plug to stop the flow of gas until the main shutoff could be found.
East Greenwich fire fighters arrived on a mutual aid response and helped the North Kingstown crews keep the fire from an attached three-story tower.
Investigation of the fire, with an estimated loss of over $650,000, showed that the point of origin was under two roofs in an area of the older portion of the building. Utilities have been ruled out as a probable cause, and fire investigators have listed the fire as suspicious. This fire was the third suspicious fire with heavy losses in three months.
