One Found Dead in Prudence Island House Fire

Officials have discovered a body in the remains of a house fire on Prudence Island, reported The Sakonnet Times on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Providence Journal also reports officials are now confirming a person was killed in the fire. The victim's identity has not been released. 

"During a search of the ruins, investigators discovered one set of human remains," wrote Portsmouth Police Chief Lance Hebert in an e-mailed statement Tuesday afternoon. 

"The Portsmouth police are working in conjunction with the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal and Medical Examiner’s Office to investigate the incident and identify the remains."

Portsmouth fire crews battled a fast-moving house fire on Prudence Island on Tuesday morning. The blaze completely destroyed the single-family home on Concord Avenue, located near the west side of the island. 

Police detectives and members of the Rhode Island Fire Marshal's Office are currently on scene investigating this fire. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) was also called to the island Tuesday. 

The cause of the blaze is unknown. "The investigation is ongoing," said Capt. Michael O'Brien, spokesman for the Portsmouth Fire Department. "The house is fully destroyed." 

The property is owned by Robert McNamara, according to Vision Appraisal. 

The fire, located at 0151 Concord Ave., Prudence Island, began around 7:40 a.m. The house is located off Broadway on the island's west side. Crews were immediately called to the scene. There were no reports of injuries among responders.