A fire in a commercial building at 25 Bay Street in Watch Hill was quickly extinguished this morning.

According to Chief Robert Peacock of the Watch Hill Fire Department, the incident was reported at 8:01 AM when the building fire alarm activated. At 8:04, the dispatch center received a 911 call from a person walking on Bay Street reporting heavy smoke and flames at the back of the building. Firefighters arrived on scene at 8:05 and confirmed a working structure fire with heavy smoke on the first and second floor.

Firefighters quickly advanced a hose line to the rear of the building, a second hose line to the first floor office of Mott and Chace Realty, and a third hose line to the second floor to check for fire extension.

Firefighters extinguished the fire within ten minutes and then opened walls and ceilings to check for fire extension and extinguish the remaining fire in the concealed spaces.

Watch Hill Firefighters responded with Engine 102, Engine 103, Ladder 104, and Squad 100. Per local protocol, Westerly Police, Westerly Ambulance, Westerly Fire, and Misquamicut Fire also responded and assisted.

Chief Peacock praised the efforts of the firefighters and noted that their quick actions confined the fire and prevented it from spreading to the second floor of the building.

The chief also stressed the importance of the presence of a commercial fire alarm system directly connected to the fire station and to the dispatch center.

The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and investigated. The cause of the fire is preliminarily believed to be electrical in nature but is pending a full review by the Fire Marshal.

The three story multi-use commercial building includes two private residences as well as Mott and Chace Realty, Bay Street Antiques, and Watch Hill Yacht Club offices.