Providence fire displaces 18 city residents

PROVIDENCE — Eighteen people have been left homeless after a fire at a multifamily house in Providence.

Firefighters say everyone in the triple-decker on Ashmont Street was able to get out safely after the fire began shortly before 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Residents say the smoke alarms went off and they had little time to gather their belongings.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire officials say the blaze appeared to begin in the back of the house and spread quickly up the back stairs and into the roof.

The American Red Cross of Rhode Island said it is assisting 11 adults and seven children with housing, clothing and food. The Red Cross said four families lived in the triple-decker.