October 13, 2025 - At approximately 10:22 a.m. on Monday, the Watch Hill Fire Department responded to reports of a vehicle fire at a local boat yard. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a work van emitting smoke from the cab area.

The vehicle’s owner had already managed to suppress most of the flames using a personal fire extinguisher before crews arrived. Firefighters from the first-arriving engine conducted a thorough check for fire extension and extinguished remaining hot spots.

The incident remains under investigation by the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office and K-9 partner Dream, working alongside the Watch Hill Fire Marshal’s Office. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated from a charging lithium-ion battery.

No injuries were reported among civilians or responding personnel. More than a dozen Watch Hill Fire Department volunteers answered the call, demonstrating their ongoing dedication and service—even amid the rainy holiday conditions.