Key Points:
- Thirty-two residents were evacuated from the affected wing of Sage Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in La Plata.
- One resident was injured during the evacuation and taken to a local hospital.
- Maryland fire investigators determined an electrical malfunction involving an exterior security light caused the fire.
LA PLATA, Md. – Thirty-two residents were evacuated from a La Plata nursing facility Friday morning after an electrical malfunction sparked a fire that spread into the building’s attic, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
Firefighters were called to Sage Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center around 6:26 a.m. after fire was discovered in the attic above the facility’s 300 wing. Staff, firefighters and law enforcement moved residents from the affected wing to another section of the building while crews attacked the fire.
One resident suffered an injury during the evacuation and was transported to a local hospital. A police officer was also evaluated at the scene but did not require transportation, according to state fire officials.
Electrical Malfunction Blamed for La Plata Nursing Center Fire
Deputy state fire marshals investigated the scene and determined that an exterior security light malfunctioned electrically, causing the fire.
“Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded an electrical malfunction caused an early morning fire at Sage Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in La Plata,” the Maryland State Fire Marshal said.
The fire extended from the exterior light into the attic above the 300 wing.
The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments responded to the facility and worked to extinguish the flames while the evacuation was underway.
Fire officials did not report any additional resident or firefighter injuries.
Fire Alarm and Doors Helped Contain Smoke
Several of the nursing center’s fire-protection systems operated as intended during the emergency, according to investigators.
The building’s fire alarm activated, while fire doors helped contain smoke to the affected wing. Although the attic where the fire spread is not protected by sprinklers, officials said all occupied areas of the facility have a fire sprinkler system.
Those safeguards were particularly important because the fire occurred at a facility housing residents who may require assistance during an emergency evacuation.
The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal remained at the facility Friday with health department and local code officials.
Officials were checking the building’s life-safety systems and determining whether unaffected portions of the nursing center could continue to be safely occupied.
Thirty-two nursing center residents were moved during the fire.
Staff members, firefighters and law enforcement relocated residents from the affected 300 wing to another area of the facility.
One resident was hospitalized following an injury during the evacuation.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office did not disclose the nature or severity of the injury. A police officer was evaluated at the scene and was not transported.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental and electrical in origin.
Deputy state fire marshals traced the fire to an electrical malfunction involving an exterior security light, with flames extending into the attic.
Sources: Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal press release issued Friday.
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