Smithfield Firefighters Extinquish House Fire at 80 Ridge Road

Smithfield Firefighters put out a house fire at 80 Ridge Road today with the help of area fire companies after a bicycler noticed the building was burning and called in a report.

Firefighters put out the blaze within about an hour.

The fire began in the front of the building and spread into the walls and attic, said Smithfield Fire Chief Bob Seltzer, "So it was kind of difficult to get into the areas," where the fire was, he said.

The fire had been burning a little while before the passer-by reported it, Selzter said. "The fire had a head start on us," he said, noting the damage to the home was "significant."

All of Smithfield's fire department, an engine, ladder and ambulance from North Providence, an engine from Harmony and a tanker from West Glouscester responded to the fire, Seltzer said.

Since there are no hydrants on the road, a line had to be run about 1,100 feet to the nearest one, and the tanker truck was critical to the effort, Seltzer said.

There were no injuries, since no one was home at the time of the fire, Seltzer said. The chief and fire officials were still investigating the cause at about 3:45 p.m., though Seltzer said the fire did not appear suspicious.