WPRO News

Residents displaced by the massive Westgate Apartment Complex fire in Warwick may never know what sparked the blaze.

State Fire Marshall Jack Chartier said there were a number of factors which may have caused the fire, but that not enough evidence exists to make a final determination. Chartier said the rapid spread of the fire was due to construction in the apartment of origin.

“The ceiling in that apartment had been removed, so they could work on plaster damaged by water leaks,” said Chartier “When the fire started in that particular area it had immediate access to the total roof structure of the building.”

Chartier also said a letter was received by investigators sent by an ACI inmate claiming responsibility for the fire; however, it was ruled out as evidence.