Homeless in RI: Fire hazards, $11M more, eviction in Pawtucket, DCYF on saving the children
3 Fires in 1 Week There were three fires involving homeless encampments in the greater Rhode Island area last week. One in Providence, off Union Street – cause as yet unknown, but fire officials noted that there were a lot of items behind a building and it was hard to get a water source to put it out. Thankfully no one was at the encampment. Another took place in New Bedford – and another in Brockton. One had to do with squatters in a building using a flammable source, thought to be propane. In that case, one person did receive burns, and another escaped unhurt. When the cleanup happened at the RI State House, more than one propane tank was found – left behind. Propane tank, center – Gas container, left (Photo: UpriseRI website) Once a flame starts tires, bicycles, tarps, rope, clothing, or other items and trash can fuel a fire’s growth which can then move to other tents or cars. Rhode Island has been fortunate in the small numbers o...