NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WPRI) — Block Island urged tourists not to visit over the weekend after a massive fire broke out a historic hotel Friday night.
Firefighters rushed to the Harborside Inn on Water Street around 11:30 p.m. and found heavy flames shooting from the first-floor kitchen.
The town issued a state of emergency due to limited power and water supply. New Shoreham Town Manager Maryanne Crawford urged residents to conserve water over the next couple of days until the supply returns to normal.
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The U.S. Coast Guard continuously transported additional manpower from Point Judith to Block Island for hours as firefighters worked to contain the flames. The Block Island Ferry also shipped ladder trucks and engines from the mainland.
The ferry canceled all high-speed morning departures Saturday from Point Judith and Newport as a result of the fire.
The traditional ferry only transported essential personnel to the island, as well as those with scheduled reservations.
The hotel appears to be a total loss. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sarah Doiron contributed to this report.
