SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Chief Steven Pinch reports that the Union Fire District of South Kingstown responded to the severe weather brought by remnants of Hurricane Ida that hit the area overnight.

The Union Fire District handled roughly 30 calls for service beginning at 3 a.m., ranging from flooded basements, pole fires, residents trapped on flooded roadways and alarms sounding.

Members will be on duty throughout the day today and had an extra command officer on duty last night to handle the excess of calls.

Relentless rain caused serious flooding throughout the state, making streets impassable and causing widespread power outages.

“Despite being a volunteer department, our members are highly trained to deal with a variety of responses including those relating to the severe weather that we saw earlier today,” Chief Pinch said. “I commend our members who worked through the night to answer the needs of our residents, and wish everyone well as they deal with the aftermath of this very serious storm.”

Residents are urged to avoid known hazard areas and to immediately report any lingering hazards they may observe — such as downed trees and wires — as first responders, utility crews, and public works crews continue to respond to these conditions.

Those looking to volunteer with the Union Fire District are encouraged to fill out an application on their website here. They can also follow the UFD on Facebook or Twitter. 

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