Resident describes dramatic fire escape

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Twelve people are displaced after a fire ripped through a two-family home on Robin Street in Providence.

The fire started just after 9 p.m. on Sunday. Fire crews said the fire started on the first floor and quickly spread to the upper floors.

"The whole roof was on fire and that's when they started putting the hose together and all of the fire people went in and they kicked all of the windows down but the whole roof was on fire," said Tavia Stinson, an eyewitness.

A woman who was in the home with her children and grandchildren described the hectic moment.

"Me and my kids was eating dinner and all of a sudden I heard somebody yelling fire. My son ran to the window and  my downstairs neighbor was yelling that the house was on fire," explained Icie McCarthy. "I just grabbed my kids, came down and all of a sudden fire was just everywhere."

"There's extensive damage to a bedroom on the first floor, kitchen area on the second floor and several rooms on the third floor and attic and roof," said Batt. Chief Jeffrey Barone of the Providence Fire Department.

Everyone in the home was able to get out safely.

"I was thinking there goes my house, I have nowhere to live. I have seven kids, two grandchildren. I have nowhere to live now," said McCarthy.

But even in the face of loss, she's counting her blessings.

"Everybody is safe. And I think that's all that really matters right now," continued McCarthy.

The Rhode Island Red Cross is assisting the two families affected.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.