CCRI soccer player loses home in Providence fire
Dec 22, 2024
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Community College of Rhode Island soccer player and her grandmother were displaced after their Providence home was damaged in a fire last week.
READ MORE: 2 hurt, several dogs killed in Providence fire
Rosmari Ribera was playing a game of soccer in North Kingstown last Wednesday when she got a call from her mom that her childhood home was on fire.
"Because of where I play, you can see me receiving the phone call and me just like, fully breaking down almost, in that video," Ribera told 12 News in an interview on Sunday. "It was absolutely insane to watch back how I reacted and everything."
The fire initially started on the first floor, Ribera explained, and extended all the way up the home.
Battalion Chief Bradley Wagoner told 12 News at the scene that day a person living inside the home, and one firefighter, were brought to the hospital for minor injuries. Multiple dogs in the home at the time were found dead.
After receiving news her home was on fire, Ribera immediately drove all the way to the house during what was a rainy evening.
"All I see is just like firefighters everywhere," Ribera recalled. "I've never seen that many firetrucks."
Ribera lived on the second floor with her grandmother, who was not home at the time.
"Usually she is never at work that late, ever," Ribera said. "And I thank God that she was."
Upon arriving, Ribera was also worried about her cat, named fish, who was found safely hiding under her bed.
Since the fire, Ribera and her grandmother have moved in with friends. Ribera is also set to leave for basic training with the National Guard next month.
A GoFundMe was created by Ribera's family, and the community has stepped up to help, donating over $6,000 so far.
"This is the biggest present for me right now, getting all this support from so many people, and so many people I don't even personally know just reaching out to me seeing how they can help," she said. "It's truly amazing to see how Rhode Island itself, so small, yet so big."
NEXT: Tenants form union to preserve Atlantic Mills, push for community control
Close
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
Daily Roundup
SIGN UP NOW