Firefighters responded over the weekend to a fatal fire at an apartment complex in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The fire reportedly occurred Sunday afternoon at Coats Manor, a six-story apartment building at 455 Lonsdale Ave. that according to The Providence Journal is home to many senior citizens. Battalion Chief William Conroy told reporters the fire started on the first floor, with smoke blocking the exits. Reports indicated recent snowfall also complicated firefighting operations, and crews encountered frozen hydrants on scene.
One resident died and several others were hospitalized in serious condition.
According to a report from WPRI, the cause of the fire was deemed accidental. The state fire marshal told WPRI reporters that many residents may have ignored shelter in place precautions and tried to leave at the sight of smoke.
RELATED FIREFIGHTER TRAINING
Evacuating a Senior Living Center: What Does It Really Take?
