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Woonsocket multi-family house fire forces 20 out of their homes


Flames rip through a multi-family home in Woonsocket, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. (WJAR)
Flames rip through a multi-family home in Woonsocket, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. (WJAR)
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Twelve adults and eight children were forced out of their homes Wednesday after a fire tore through a multi-family house in Woonsocket.

Woonsocket Fire Capt. Robert Cahill said the three-alarm fire at the residence began on the second floor, with several agencies responding.

Cahill said the fire was not easy to put out.

"Very extensive house, very big and very compartmentalized so they had to work to get to the fire," said Cahill.

Everyone made it out safely, but a family lost their pets, including a dog, cat, and hamsters.

"They're not thinking as much about possessions and all the things they're going to need, I know they're more worried about their cat and the dog and I'm sure the hamsters," said a resident's sister, Martha Guzman.

Guzman's brother, his partner, and their five children lost everything including their beloved pets, Blue Ivy and Lila.

"I feel heartbroken because my brother puts so much into trying to provide for his five kids and he's the only sole provider there," said Guzman. "I know the baby is going to need diapers, wipes, everything was in the house."

The family has started a GoFundMe to raise money to replace their belongings.

One resident was brought to the hospital after he went back in to save his pets.

"Thankfully he jumped in while the fire was going, which was sad, but he got out with both of the animals," said resident Julia LaPlante.

LaPlante's twin brother, Steven, was at the hospital being treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire is being investigated and the Red Cross is assisting families.

NBC 10's Molly Levine contributed to this report.

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