Nursing home patients evacuated in overnight fire

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Nearly two dozen patients had to be evacuated when fire broke out at a Martinsville nursing facility early Tuesday.

Around 12:30 am a fire alarm alerted staff and patients of The Waters Nursing Facility of a fire in the north wing.

30 firefighters and numerous EMS crews responded to the facility at 2055 Heritage Drive on the southwest side of Martinsville.

When they arrived firefighters found light smoke showing from the north end of the building with evacuation in progress.

Patients were moved to the south wing of the facility.  Authorities say one elderly man fell from a wheelchair and was taken to the hospital for treatment for a cut on his head. Three other patients needed oxygen for pre-exisiting breathing problems.

The fire was traced to a utility room ceiling exhaust fan.  Firefighters say the motor, fan, exhaust hose and some insulation were all that burned. 

The flames were confined to the attic area. The fire was under control within 15 to 20 minutes.

Fans were used to clear the smoke out of the building and patients were allowed to return to their rooms.

The Waters is home to some 88 patients.