![[CREDIT: RI Breaking News Service] The RI National Guard used helicopters to help crews fight an Exeter brush fire Friday.](https://warwickpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Exeterbrush-fire-RI-National-Guard-1.png)
![[CREDIT: RI Breaking News Service] The RI National Guard and several fire crews are fighting an Exeter brush fire expected to cover 700 acres Friday.](https://warwickpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Exeter-Brush-Fire_RIBNS.jpg)
![[CREDIT:RISP] A Rhode Island State Police map showing the area where an Exeter brush fire spread Friday.](https://warwickpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Exeter-Brush-Fire_RISP-336x233.png)
“The numerous fire companies were able to stop the spread of the fire on William Reynolds Road and all residents were allowed to return to their homes at approximately 7:33 p.m.,” State Police reported in a release to news media Friday night.
As the fire spread, homes were evacuated along Liberty Church Road and William Reynolds Road by State Police and the Department of Environment Management. The State Police Drone Unit also responded to assist the Command Post with monitoring the fire’s direction and speed.
Due to a shift in the wind, at 3:35 PM additional residences on Mockingbird Drive, Pheasant Drive, Robin Drive and Partridge Drive were evacuated for precautionary reasons.
ORIGINAL STORY – 6:43 P.M. : EXETER, RI — Gov. Dan McKee urged Rhode Islanders to stay clear of a large Exeter brush fire reported at about 1 p.m. near School Land Road that’s expected to cover 700 acres and has required evacuations.
“Right now, we’re asking Rhode Islanders to stay away and not fly drones in the area while the firefighting operations occur,” McKee said.
Crews are asking residents from William Reynolds Road north to Route 102 to evacuate. This includes Purgatory Road. A temporary shelter is being opened at 773 Ten Rod Road in Exeter (Exeter Public Library). Rhode Island State Police are going door to door to notify residents.
The Rhode Island National Guard is assisting multiple fire crews fighting the fire by dropping water from helicopters. Teams from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, the Rhode Island State Police, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are also on the scene assisting the local authorities, McKee reported in email updates to the public Friday.
Crews are asking residents from William Reynolds Road north to Route 102 to evacuate. This includes Purgatory Road. A temporary shelter is being opened at 773 Ten Rod Road in Exeter (Exeter Public Library). Rhode Island State Police are going door to door to notify residents.
As of 5:30 p.m., there were approximately 20 people at the shelter at the Exeter Public Library. With the library closing at 6 p.m., the shelter will relocate to Exeter-West Greenwich High School, located at 930 Nooseneck Hill Road in West Greenwich. Thank you to the team at the American Red Cross of Rhode Island for managing the shelter, moving quickly, and ensuring smooth operations on site.
The shelter has snacks and water. Those going to a shelter are reminded to bring medication if needed. Pets are welcome, but those going are asked to bring crates, cages, leashes, and food for their pets. Additional shelter locations may open if necessary.
McKee wrote the fire is three to four times the size of the West Greenwich fire that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday. All firefighting assets are being utilized, he said.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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