A fire at the Groton Towers apartment building on Saturday evening claimed a womanโs life and forced 75 families out of their homes, according to fire officials.
The fire started just before 5 p.m. on the third floor of the four-story apartment complex on Broad Street Extension. Four people were hospitalized and one woman died, confirmed the fire chief. The Red Cross said about 130 people were impacted.
The fire was contained to two units, but heavy smoke spread throughout the building. Firefighters rescued around a dozen residents and several pets from balconies and hallways. However, some animals did not survive, officials said.
Fire Chief Robert Tompkins said crews from surrounding towns and Rhode Island responded to the third alarm. The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents, many of whom are active military members.
Officials said all residents are being housed in shelters or local hotels while the building remains closed. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
