Merton Road Fire Causes $50K in Damage

Newport firefighters responded to a house fire at 57 Merton Road at 1:32 a.m. on Sunday morning. The fire resulted in approximately $50,000 in damage to the house.

The owner of the home called 911 after being awoken by the smoke alarm and reported that a fire had broken out in the kitchen. 

Newport Fire Department officials said the fire was in the vicinity of the countertop and upper cabinets in the kitchen. There was heavy smoke throughout the house when firefighters arrived, but they were able to extinguish it quickly. Fire damage was confined to the kitchen, however smoke damage was apparent throughout the two-story home. 

A family of five and an unrelated tenant who lived in an attached apartment were home at the time. The owner was able to alert everyone of the fire and lead them to safety before the fire department arrived. One occupant was transported to Newport Hospital for observation and was released a short time later. 

Temporary housing for all occupants was provided by the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Newport Fire Marshal’s Office.

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