DEA, ATF Respond to Site of Green Hill House Fire, Explosion

Officials from the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are at the scene of a house that caught fire and was the site of an explosion early Friday.

Fire crews from across southern Rhode Island responded to the house on Hemlock Road this Friday morning for a reported house fire.

Early reports indicated there might have been an explosion of some kind at the scene.

The fire broke out before 7 a.m.

Members of the Union Fire District were first to respond to the scene. The state Fire Marshal and a Hazmat crew from Hope Valley were also dispatched.

Two men, who remain unidentified by police, suffered injuries and were transported to the hospital. The injuries were described as non life-threatening.

Crews had the fire under control within 15 minutes, said Union Fire District Chief Jack Carney.

The explosion reportedly caused a “flash fire.”

Officials said two men knocked on a neighbor’s door to ask for help after the fire started.

Officials have kept onlookers and the media a distance from the house as the investigation is ongoing.

More details will be posted as they become available.