Firefighters put out fire at candidate’s home – then host daughter’s birthday party

Stephanie Beauté’s home was damaged by a fire Sunday morning, fortunately with no injuries. Beauté is a Democratic primary candidate for Secretary of State in Rhode Island.

Beauté had spent the day earlier walking in the annual Dominican Festival Parade in Providence, and while driving home with her 4-year-old daughter, Beauté received a call at 11:39 PM from Vivint Security to alert her that her home was on fire.

North Smithfield firefighters and investigators were on the scene when Beauté arrived at her residence. Firefighters put out the kitchen fire on the first floor within minutes, limiting damage to other areas of the house. While the house is uninhabitable for at least 3 weeks, per the North Smithfield Fire Department, no one was harmed.

Beauté complimented the North Smithfield firefighters for their quick action and painstaking work to minimize damage to the house. “Public servants in Rhode Island are taken for granted so often, but this was a first-hand demonstration of how important our First Responders are,” she said.

Beauté planned on hosting a birthday party for her daughter before the fire. What happened next? The party was moved to the Headquarters of Fire Station #2 in North Smithfield where firefighters treated children and parents with a tour of the facility. The children also took turns sitting in firetrucks and were given coloring books as well.

Stephanie said the North Smithfield’s fire department’s immediate offer of hospitality for the birthday party was a huge hit with the children and she is most grateful for the quick thinking of the Department.

Efforts to reach the fire department for comment were not successful before publication time.

Beauté, a newly announced candidate, will meet with Rhode Islanders across the state to address her policies before the September 13th primary. Her supporters describe Beauté as a problem-solver with grit and business experience who will enable confidence in the voting system. With confidence in legislatures and institutions declining, Beauté says she is committed to integrity and is ready to “defend our democracy, expand our fundamental right to vote, and ensure Rhode Island runs fair and honest elections”.