(via Portsmouth Firefighters)

A fire has caused major damage to the roof of Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth. The blaze broke out Friday afternoon, but thankfully, no one was hurt.

People started calling 911 around 1:23 p.m. to report the fire at 55 West Main Road. When firefighters got there, they could see flames coming through the roof.

Portsmouth’s fire department sent out two engines, a tower ladder, a rescue vehicle, and three command cars. They also got help from Tiverton and Middletown fire crews.

While local firefighters tackled the blaze, Newport Navy and Bristol fire units stepped in to cover the rest of Portsmouth.

Right now, state and local Fire Marshals are looking into what caused the fire.

The fire department gave a shout-out to the Special Signal Fire Association and Providence Canteen for their help during the incident.

Officials haven’t said how bad the damage is or how it might affect the funeral home’s business. The investigation is still ongoing.

Full announcement

For immediate release 🚨🔥

At 1323 hours, multiple 911 calls were received reporting a building fire at 55 West Main Road, Connors Funeral Home. Upon arrival, crews encountered fire showing through the roof. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Mutual aid was provided on scene by Tiverton Firefighters Local 1703 and Middletown RI Firefighters Local 1933, while Newport Navy IAFF F-100 and Bristol Fire Department-RI covered the Town of Portsmouth.

Responding units from PFD included Engines 1 and 2, Tower Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Car 1, Car 2, and Car 6. The incident is currently under investigation by both the State and local Fire Marshal’s offices.

Great job by all involved!

Thank you to Special Signal Fire Association / Providence Canteen as always!

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...