Shortly after 10pm on Sunday January 6, 2008 a working fire signal was transmitted by the orders of Woonsocket Fire Department Deputy Chief Tom Williams for 65 Alysworth Ave. While the normal first alarm assignment was busy at another incident, Engines 1, 6, 3 and Ladder 1 responded.

Crews encountered a triple-decker with fire on first floor. Engine Co. 1, the first arriving company, stretched an 1 ¾” attack line to the first floor to begin fire attack. At this time members of Ladder Co. 1 set their stick up to the roof from the number 4 side. Crews had heavy fire in a room on the first floor that had begun to self-vent itself on side 2 of the building. There was a heavy smoke condition that surrounded the area as crews began to open up.

A second alarm was struck bringing in the remainder of the Woonsocket companies and sequentially a third alarm was transmitted to fill the empty city stations. Chief of the Department Ken Finlay arrived on scene and assumed command. Due to the aggressive attack of the Woonsocket Fire Department, this fire was quickly knocked down and overhaul began.

One resident was treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Captain Tom Papa of the Woonsocket Fire Marshal’s office and the Woonsocket Police Department are investigating the cause of the blaze. Mutual aid was brought in from Cumberland, Blackstone, Lincoln, and North Smithfield to cover the Woonsocket stations.