BY STACI WILSON
Residents of a Bridgewater Twp. personal care home were forced to evacuate Monday, Jan. 26., after fire broke out at the facility.
At about noon, a fire was reported at Gracious Living Estates, located along SR 29, south of Montrose.
According to Paul Johnson, Susquehanna County EMA Coordinator, a heating unit in a resident’s room caused the fire. The blaze was confined to the one room.
A fire marshal investigated and determined the cause as “accidental.”
Johnson said, “The (Gracious Living) staff did everything on their end according to their plan.” He said that from the initial response, to the first responders on the scene and the community support and involvement, the incident was handled well.
The 52 residents were evacuated from Gracious Living to the South Montrose Community Church, a short distance north of the personal care home. Susquehanna County Transportation and Taylor Transportation evacuated the residents.
From the church, several residents went with family members; while others were later transported by county transportation vehicles to area hospitals, personal care homes and nursing homes with available beds.
The facility sustained minimal damage, according to Johnson, but the kitchen area sustained water damage from the sprinkler system and there is smoke damage on the main level; and it could be several days before residents are able to return to the facility.
One firefighter was injured during the incident and was transported from the scene for treatment.
Emergency personnel from United Fire Company, Montrose, Elk Lake, Hallstead, Springville and the Montrose Minute Men were on hand at the scene.
Personnel from the Snake Creek, Silver Lake, Great Bend fire companies were on stand-by at the Montrose Fire Hall.
Montrose Minute Men and Greater Valley EMS, out of Bradford County, also responded to the church.
Susquehanna County Emergency Management, along with Red Cross and parishioners from the South Montrose Community Church also took part in the efforts on Monday.
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