Roof Fire Damages Automotive Shop, Dance Studio

by | Feb 1, 2021

Above: The location of the fire on the roof is visible from this drone shot. Credit: Tim Cure.

A roof fire at the building at 5601 Post Road midday Monday prompted the evacuation of the businesses there, including L&S Automotive, a dance and fitness studio, and Ronzio Pizza.

The alarm sounded at 11:39 a.m., after employees at L&S Auto smelled smoke. The fire was at the back of the building but extended into the dance studio. No one was injured.

“It was contained quickly but it probably burned for a while undetected so there’s damage to the structure,” said EGFD Chief Bernie Patenaude. “The businesses will be closed for a while until they can get the electric checked.”

L&S owner Lenny LaFleur said he’d never experienced anything like this in the 35 years he’s been in business, 15 at this location.

No word yet on the cause of the fire. North Kingstown also responded to the fire – their ladder truck was needed to gain access to the roof because EG’s ladder truck is in need of repairs. West Warwick and Coventry covered EG’s stations.

Coincidentally, L&S is next door to Oriental Cleaners, where a homemade “firebomb” was found in the back parking lot in January. That case, according to the State Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin Monday, “is still a very active investigation.”

The scene of the fire at 5601 Post Road Monday. Credit: Tim Cure

Value the news you get here on East Greenwich News? As a 501-c3, we depend on reader support. Become a sustaining (monthly) donor or make a one-time donation! Click on the Donate button below or send a check to EG News, 18 Prospect St., East Greenwich, RI 02818. Thanks.

1 Comment

  1. Mark

    Great photos, Tim!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RELATED STORIES

Dog Dies in House Fire

Dog Dies in House Fire

Firefighters found an unconscious dog in a house on Cedar Avenue Tuesday (3/21) while fighting a...

Newsletter Sign Up

* indicates required

Archives

Latest Streaming