PROVIDENCE, RI – The McKee Administration today issued the following updates on the ongoing fire in Exeter:

Our team is responding to a large fire in Exeter. Right now, we’re asking Rhode Islanders to stay away and not fly drones in the area while the firefighting operations occur.

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard are dropping water on the fire from helicopters and teams from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, the Rhode Island State Police, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are also on the scene assisting the local authorities.

Crews on the ground are currently asking residents from William Reynolds Road north to Route 102 to evacuate. This includes Purgatory Road.

A temporary shelter is being opened at 773 Ten Rod Road in Exeter (Exeter Public Library).

Our office will provide additional updates as they become available.