EAST PROVIDENCE — A tragic fire at a multi-unit residence last week in Providence related to the sub-freezing temperatures raised concerns of East Providence Fire Department Chief Oscar Elmasian and Captain Ken Botelho, the city’s fire marshal.

Chief Elmasian called the fire “horrific,” adding, “It’s very unfortunate not just because of the loss of a life, but also because of those who were displaced. It was unnecessary.”

An investigation deemed the cause of the fire, where one person died, was due to a lack of proper electric and heating in the home. The former, especially, is what struck Chief Elmasian and Captain Botelho, noting all multi-family residences in Rhode Island, three-units and apartments of four or more units, are required by law to have hard-wired detection mechanisms. For three-family homes that means smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors, for larger houses and apartment complexes a full alarm system.

“We want people to be aware that they must have hard-wired smokes in a three-family house,” Captain Botelho said. “A lot of owners are still unaware of it and others just try to skirt it.”

Captain Botelho explained the state law went into effect in 2003. An extension was granted by lawmakers in 2008 allowing two more years to comply. However, since 2010, he said, there have been no extensions. He continued, several homes and complexes in city remain non-compliant, adding most owners only make the necessary upgrades upon complaints of tenants or when they go to sell the properties.

“They should do it because of the law, but our biggest concern is life safety,” Captain Botelho said.

The department has previously held and is planning future seminars for multi-unit owners on proper smoke detector installation, according to Chief Elmasian. In the meantime, he urges residents or proprietors to call the department (435-7681) with any concerns.

“If an owner or someone living in a house that lacks proper early detection systems, they can call us and we can help them,” Chief Elmasian added.