Large brush fire in Exeter mostly contained Friday night; evacuations halted

A sprawling brush fire in Exeter was 80% contained as of Friday night, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency said. An evacuation order has been lifted.

The blaze, so large that its smoke plumes appeared on doppler weather radar, prompted crews to ask residents from William Reynolds Road north to Route 102 to evacuate, including Purgatory Road, Locust Valley Road and Quail Hollow Drive. State police went door to door to notify residents.

Initially, the EMA expected the fire to cover 700 acres. That's at least three times the size of the blaze that burned earlier in the week in West Greenwich.

More: Exeter brush fire may have started at campsite, investigators say

"Our team is responding to a large fire in Exeter," Gov. Dan McKee tweeted Friday afternoon. "I’ve just been briefed on the latest. Right now, we’re asking Rhode Islanders to stay away and not fly drones in the area while the firefighting operations occur."

Helicopter crews planned to drop water on the area. The EMA, state police and the Department of Environmental Management were also on the scene.

A temporary shelter managed by the Red Cross opened at the Exeter Public Library. As of about 5 p.m., it housed 20 people and was to move to Exeter-West Greenwich High School after the library closed at 6 p.m.

RIEMA spokeswoman Melissa Carden said cots would be added if needed. There were snacks and water available, and the agency was working on providing additional food. Carden said more shelters will be opened if needed. Pets are welcome, though owners should bring supplies including crates, food and leashes. Those seeking shelter are advised to remember any medications they may need.

More: Brush fire burns more than 200 acres in Big River Management Area. What to know.

DEM worked with the Washington County Fairgrounds and local farmers to evacuate farm animals and ensure their safety.

"The fairgrounds have been opened to receive animals, DEM and a local farmer are ready to do any large animal transport, and several Exeter farmers also are taking in large animals," said DEM spokesman Michael Healey. "DEM appreciates everyone’s civic-mindedness on this chaotic day."

On Thursday, firefighters battled another brush fire in West Greenwich that ripped through more than 200 acres in the Big River Management Area.

By Friday, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts remained on alert due to elevated fire-weather conditions. In a notice, the National Weather Service said that while winds weren't as strong as on previous days, dry conditions and low humidity made for a higher chance of fires.

This is a breaking story. More to come.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Exeter brush fire - some residents are asked to evacuate, what to know