VIDEO: Car Fire Tuesday Caused No Injuries

WARWICK, RI — There were no injuries resulting from Tuesday’s car fire at around noon on the East Avenue bridge crossing Rte. 295, which resisted efforts to control it as spilled gas spread on the pavement beneath it.

Battalion 1 Chief Erik Anderson said firefighters from Tower Ladder 1 and WFD Heavy Rescue were able to put the fire down within about 30 minutes, despite its stubborn re-ignition due to the spreading fuel. The flames added to an already hot and humid 90 degree start to a week-long heat advisory for the region.

The fire appeared quelled several times, but resurged moments after firefighters from WFD‘s Tower Ladder 1 engine stopped directing water at it at about 12:20 p.m. The car was a compact four-door vehicle, light colored.

The fire was eventually contained with the arrival of WFD’s Heavy Rescue, and a switch to foam instead of water. The Heavy Rescue truck, Anderson said, is equipped with equipment to contain fuel spills.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials also responded to the scene to inspect fire damage to the pavement and the railing barrier, Anderson said.