Watch Hill firefighters responded to a report of a fully involved generator fire next to a residence at approximately 9:30 this morning.

Watch Hill Engine 102 arrived within 3 minutes and firefighters confirmed a propane fueled fire in a generator with flames impinging on the residence. The propane supply was shut off at the tank and the fire was quickly extinguished with a hose line off Engine 102. The damage was limited to the generator.

Nine Watch Hill firefighters responded with Engine 102, Engine 103, and Ladder 104.

Westerly Fire also responded on automatic mutual aid with an Engine and a Ladder but were canceled prior to their arrival.

The fire appears to have been caused by a propane leak inside the generator housing which ignited when the generator started as part of a scheduled automatic weekly test. The final cause is still under investigation by the Office of the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal.

Watch Hill firefighters would like to use this as an opportunity to remind all residents to have their generators serviced annually and to have fire extinguishers readily available in their homes.

Watch Hill firefighters would also like to recognize the actions of a good Samaritan who assisted at the scene.

A delivery driver for Arnold Lumber Company was making a delivery in the area and spotted the fire. He ran to the home and notified the elderly occupant who was not aware of the fire and then attempted to use a fire extinguisher to control the fire while the occupant called 911.