Red Cross Helping Two Adults After Barton Lane Fire

MIDDLETOWN, RI — A fire that started in a computer in a small upstairs room caused heavy smoke damage to the second floor of a Barton Lane home, Middletown Fire Chief Ron Doire said today.

No one was hurt, and no pets were involved, he said. Because the electricity had to be turned off, the house will be uninhabitable for a couple of days. he said.

The American Red Cross is helping the two adult homeowners, Chuck Saletta, of the Red Cross, said.

Chief Doire said the homeowners reported the fire shortly before 6 a.m. today. Arriving firefighters found the people outside and heavy smoke and a fire in the spare room on the second floor. He described a lot of smoke damage on the second floor and moderate smoke damage on the first floor but said there was no structural damage but for the two windows firefighters had to remove to ventilate.

The fire inspector is wrapping up his investigation, but the fire will be ruled accidental, the Chief said.

The homeowners said they preferred not to speak to the media,