R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-28.5-2
If the authority having jurisdiction, after any inspection made under the authority of § 23-28.5-1, shall in its discretion deem that the accumulation of a combustible nature increases the danger of fire to the premises where the accumulation has been permitted, or to the property adjacent thereto, the authority having jurisdiction shall give notice in writing to the occupant or occupants or one of them, of the premises where the accumulation has been permitted, to remove or cause to be removed, from the premises the material of a combustible nature, within forty-eight (48) hours after receipt by the occupant or occupants of the notice. In case the material of a combustible nature shall not be removed within forty-eight (48) hours as aforesaid, the authority having jurisdiction may cause the material to be removed from the premises, and thereupon shall cause notice in writing of the cost and expense of the removal to be given to the occupant or occupants, or one of them, and also certify the amount thereof to the city or town clerk of the city or town, and in case the cost and expense shall not be paid to the city or town treasurer within thirty (30) days after the notice, the city or town may recover the cost and expense in a civil action against the occupant or occupants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-28.5-2