To the editor:

The events of the fire at the Harborside (Inn), downtown Block Island this past weekend (Aug. 19-20) could have proved devastating. 

It is only because of a strong commitment to mutual aid, Portsmouth’s generosity of spirit, and the Portsmouth Fire Department’s courageousness that we were able to contain the fire, save the surrounding structures and ultimately, the downtown. We could not have handled the blaze without the Portsmouth team.

On behalf of the entire community of Block Island, I thank the Town of Portsmouth for helping us so selflessly and keeping us from what could have been a more catastrophic event. The spirit of mutual aid is a testament to communal cooperation and, as this past weekend proves, an immeasurable asset to all our communities. 

Thank you again for Portsmouth’s assistance and the bravery of your firefighters.

Warm regards,

Maryanne Crawford

Town manager,

Town of New Shoreham

Editor’s note: This letter, dated Aug. 23, was addressed to Town Administrator Richard A. Rainer, Jr.