Off-Duty Warwick Police Captain Rescues Family from Cranston House Fire

CRANSTON, RI — An off-duty Warwick police captain saved a family from a house fire Saturday night, according to the Cranston Police Department.

Capt. Charles Boisseau had just finished working a detail and was heading home when he noticed a fire starting in a trash can in front of a house on Whispering Pines Drive about 11:15 p.m., Cranston police said in a media release.

"Without hesitation, Captain Boisseau exited his vehicle, called 911, and immediately began banging on the front door to alert the occupants who were still asleep," the release said.

"After receiving no response, he searched for a hose to control the growing flames," the release said. "Upon contacting the homeowner, both men attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, but the water pressure proved insufficient."

The fire began to spread and Boisseau called 911 again before he and the homeowner went into the burning house to save the man's wife and their three children, ages 5 and 7 years old and 6 months old, police said.

"The Cranston Fire Department responded quickly and was able to contain the fire to the
northwest section of the home, a new addition under construction," the release said. "The remainder of the house sustained water and smoke damage."

The fire appears to have been caused by improperly discarded fireworks that were used earlier in the evening during a birthday celebration, according to the release.

"Although they had been rinsed with water before being placed in a recycling bin, residual heat appears to have ignited nearby materials," the release said.

"This incident highlights both the heroism of Captain Boisseau and the hidden dangers
associated with consumer fireworks," Cranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist said in the release.

"Had it not been for his immediate actions, the outcome could have been tragic," Winquist said. "We commend his bravery and selflessness in risking his safety to save others."