A fire broke out on March 23, 2021 in a nursing facility prompting dozens of middle-of-the night rescues. Ten residents were taken to area hospitals for treatment, and one resident was later pronounced dead. A firefighter was still missing in the rubble, as first responders began using a mini excavator to clear the rubble.
The fire broke out at 1 a.m. at a facility that offers assisted living, nursing home facilities, and continuing care for older adults. Between 20 and 25 residents were rescued by firefighters. One firefighter rushed into the burning building to rescue residents, and officials believe he became disoriented and could not find his way out. A portion of the building collapsed as the firefighters battled the fire. The missing firefighter was believed to be on the third floor of the building when it collapsed.
Initially one resident was reported missing, but eventually all 112 residents of the facility had been accounted for after triple checking. Residents were taken in buses to nearby facilities.
It took more than six hours to get the fire under control, and firefighters spent Tuesday battling hot spots and also had water supply problems. About 125 firefighters from multiple agencies worked to get the fire under control. Due to the extensive damage to the facility, the cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Issue:
The safety of residents and staff is always the priority when dealing with any type of emergency. All staff must be aware of what they should do in an event of a fire and other emergencies. Each facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan should outline procedures necessary for all levels of staff during an emergency.
Discussion Points:
- Review the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan to ensure that it includes clear procedures that should be taken during an emergency, including a fire event. Update your plan as needed.
- Train all staff on the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, including fire safety and response responsibilities. Document that the trainings occurred and file the signed training document in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to ensure that staff from all departments and shifts are aware of the expectations for their roles during an emergency. Conduct periodic drills to determine their understanding and competency.
