EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a shooting and a fire over a 24-hour period Friday and Saturday mornings, April 8 and 9.

Police answered a 911 call at approximately 12:10 a.m. Friday from a 57-year-old male claiming to have been shot twice in his home on 363 Dodge Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed he had been shot twice, once in the arm and the other in the chest, at relatively close range. The victim was lying just inside the front door of his residence.

According to EPPD Chief Christopher Parella, firefighters transported the man to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for a severed artery. The chief said, however, at no time were the victim's injuries deemed life threatening. He said the victim remains in hospital in stable condition.

"We believe this was directed specifically to the victim," Chief Parella added. "We don't believe there is anything random about it."

Taking no chances, though, the chief said he ordered an increased police presence in the neighborhood and especially around the Silver Spring Elementary School Friday. He said additional patrols in the area will continue for the immediate future.

The investigation is ongoing. Chief Parella declined to speculate on the motive in the case. And did not comment on any possible link the victim may have in the matter.

"These things take time. They're never easy," Chief Parella added. "It's nice neighborhood. The residents have been very cooperative. And hopefully we'll be able to talk to the victim soon. As time goes by I expected we'll get more information."

Meanwhile, EPFD personnel responded Saturday to an early-morning house fire on Blanding Avenue, which displaced two adult males.

Neither was injured, however, the residence suffered considerable fire, smoke and water damage.

EPFD official initially determined the cause of the fire was an unattended lighted burner on the kitchen stove.