Title: Historic Hotel Fire Prompts State of Emergency on Rhode Island’s Block Island
Date: [Current Date]
Block Island, Rhode Island – A large fire at the Harborside Inn hotel in New Shoreham on Block Island has caused extensive damage and led to a state of emergency. The fire broke out on Friday night, leaving the smallest town in Rhode Island without power and limited water supply. Residents and guests at the hotel were safely evacuated, and authorities have urged visitors to avoid the area.
Multiple agencies, including the local fire department and the Coast Guard, responded to the fire. First responders remained on the scene throughout Sunday as water and power were gradually restored to nearby businesses. Ferry service to the island was also restored by Sunday morning, according to the Block Island Chamber of Commerce.
Logistical challenges caused delays in containing the fire, as crews had to be ferried onto the island to provide resources. South Kingstown Deputy Fire Chief Tom Bradley, according to the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, stated that it took about an hour for crews and half an hour by the Coast Guard boat to reach the island.
Block Island, known for its Victorian seaport charm, has a close-knit community. The Harborside Inn has been a landmark on the island for over a century and has welcomed countless visitors. The devastating fire has brought unprecedented damage, with the hotel’s roof caving in and significant damage to the back of the building.
The fire has not only affected the Harborside Inn but also impacted businesses located on the island. Block Island Reservations, which manages Harborside Inn and other nearby hotels, suffered damage to its central office and inventory. As a result, the company has canceled and refunded reservations for all its properties on the island until August 24.
Adding to the challenges, Rhode Island experienced severe weather conditions at the same time. A tornado and severe thunderstorms caused extensive damage, uprooting or snapping hundreds of large trees across the state. Emergency responders had to deal with both the fire and the aftermath of the severe weather events.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his gratitude for the tireless work of emergency responders and announced that the state would provide assistance to small businesses affected by the fire. His team is collaborating with the US Small Business Administration and the Rhode Island Commerce team to ensure support for the affected businesses.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the full extent of the damage and potential salvage opportunities are yet to be determined. As Block Island residents and officials come together to deal with the aftermath, the community remains resilient, determined to rebuild and preserve the island’s unique charm in the face of adversity.