UPDATED: Crews respond to fire at assisted living facility; residents reportedly displaced
Gary Fernandez, Chief Marketing Officer at Trustwell Living, issued the following official statement shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday:
"A fire, which originated in a Dumpster and extended onto the roof over the kitchen area, occurred this morning at Trustwell Living at Bell Gardens Place, an assisted living community located on Harry Sauner Road in Hillsboro. We want to reassure everyone that despite the recent fire incident at the community, all residents and staff are safe. The safety of our residents and staff is our top priority.
“Our community staff acted decisively to evacuate all residents safely, with the assistance of local authorities and nearby volunteers. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the various fire departments, including Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District, the Brushcreek Township Volunteer Department, Clinton-Highland Joint Fire District, Highland County North Joint Fire & Ambulance District, Lynchburg Joint Fire and Ambulance District and Southern Highland Joint Fire District, for their collaborative efforts in managing the situation. Special thanks to the Trustwell Living community staff, Hillsboro Police Department, Army recruiters and Hillsboro City Schools for their invaluable assistance in the evacuation process.
“Residents have been relocated to a temporary shelter at Peace Lutheran Church as we conduct a thorough evaluation of the community. It is uncertain when residents will be able to return, but we assure families and friends that we are working diligently to provide temporary housing arrangements until residents can safely return home to Trustwell Living at Bell Gardens Place.
“We understand the concern and uncertainty this event may cause, and we are committed to keeping residents, families, and the community informed throughout this process.
“We appreciate the ongoing support and understanding from everyone involved, and we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our residents and staff above all else."
The original story follows.
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Multiple local fire departments were dispatched to a fire Wednesday morning at Trustwell Living at Bell Gardens Place on Harry Sauner Road in Hillsboro, which has temporarily displaced the assisted living facility residents.
According to Lt. Sarah Cayse of the Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District, over 20 calls came in to emergency dispatch reporting the fire Wednesday at 11:33 a.m. Cayse said it was a Dumpster fire that extended into the kitchen area.
When Paint Creek crews arrived, Cayse said that Hillsboro Police Department officers as well as Army recruiters were already on scene working to evacuate residents.
All residents were safely evacuated from the facility. One resident was transported, although it is currently unclear whether that was related to the fire.
Mutual aid was provided by the Brushcreek Township Volunteer Department, Clinton-Highland Joint Fire District, Highland County North Joint Fire & Ambulance District, Lynchburg Joint Fire and Ambulance District and Southern Highland Joint Fire District. Approximately 30 firefighters responded, according to Cayse.
Cayse said that Hillsboro City Schools also assisted by providing two buses for residents, while Peace Lutheran Church, located near the facility, is serving as a shelter for residents.
According to Cayse, the Trustwell Living facility is working on finding placement for residents.
“The safety of our residents and staff are our top priority,” Gary Fernandez, Chief Marketing Officer at Trustwell Living, told The Highland County Press. “The community staff sprang into action quickly to evacuate the residents and other staff members safely. We also want to thank the first responders from the local fire departments for their quick response.”
Harry Sauner Road was closed for several hours Wednesday during the fire. As of 2:43 p.m., the road has reopened to traffic.
The fire is currently under investigation. The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is en route, Cayse said.
On behalf of Paint Creek, Cayse thanked the mutual aid partners and community assistance, as well as all of the individuals who called to report the fire. She also thanked the Hillsboro Little Caesars, who donated pizzas.
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