Sullivan House Fire Cause Undetermined

The State Fire Marshal’s office has listed the cause of the fire at 29 Emily Way as undetermined, according to Seekonk Fire Chief Shaun Whalen. Despite that finding, Whalen said the investigation remains open.

The April 21 blaze destroyed the home of former Selectman Justin Sullivan. The $1.4 million home was a total loss.

Sullivan and his family were travelling outside of the country at the time. Both of the family’s dogs perished in the fire.

Whalen noted the area was outside the town’s water district due to the lack of active fire hydrants.

Whalen reported “heavy fire conditions of all floors at the rear of the building, including the attic space of the 2.5 story 3900 square foot residential building. Rapidly developing fire conditions were also present on the street side of the home. Ultimately a Third Alarm was requested for fire conditions extended to 41,42 and potentially 54 Emily Way, caused by blowing embers and strong wind conditions.”

Several fire departments responded to fight the blaze, including those from Rehoboth, Attleboro, North Attleboro, Raynham, and East Providence.

Some residents expressed concern about the safety of their homes.

At the April 30 Select Board meeting, Whalen explained the Fire Department were “aware of these neighborhoods and have developed very specific tactics and strategies to fight fires in these areas.”

“The home at Emily Way partially collapsed within moments of the first arriving companies at the scene,” Whalen noted. “Neighboring homes became threatened due to the large volume of fire, blowing embers and smoke. All of those affected homes were successfully protected from fire and from further threat. The situation was handled effectively and professionally by your Seekonk Fire Department along with all the other responding agencies.”