Rockland rehab nursing facility fire may have started in ceiling fan, investigators say
A fire at a rehab nursing facility in Rockland, Massachusetts over the weekend may have started in a ceiling fan, investigators said.
The fire at the Webster Park Rehab and Healthcare Saturday afternoon displaced dozens of people. Flames broke out at the facility on Webster Street around 4:30 p.m. No one was seriously hurt.
"Accidental electrical event"
There's no word yet on a cause, but fire investigators are looking at an "accidental electrical event in the ceiling of a third-floor bathroom, possibly related to a ceiling fan," the state fire marshal's office said Monday.
"It's emotional. It's emotional for the residents," said Jessica Berry, one of the many nurses who rushed in along with first responders to safely evacuate seniors. "Everybody including fire and rescue we all pulled together and got everyone out as quick as possible."
Firefighters were alerted to the emergency by a fire alarm and a call from a staff member. A total of 102 residents had to be evacuated from the facility, with 22 from the third floor. That included Michael Gaffin's 82-year-old father, David.
"He's mainly in a wheelchair. He can't really walk anymore, his knees are shot. He said he got down the stairs pretty quick with some help from the fireman," Gaffin said.
The sprinkler system helped contain the fire, but heavy smoke filled the facility, forcing everyone to get out quickly.
The incident brought back horrifying memories of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River last July. During that fire, 10 residents died and more than 30 people, including six firefighters, were injured.
"It was tragedy what happened down there and it could've happened here, especially people who can't walk on a higher level," Michael Gaffin said.
"This is our family"
Berry, who's worked at the Rockland facility for four years, is grateful for everyone who stepped in to help.
"I don't think of myself as a hero. I came, I have a job to do. I focused on helping the best I could do. This is our family. It's sad for them," Berry said.
Residents will have to be placed elsewhere for the foreseeable future due to smoke and water damage.
"I am very grateful for all the first responders, firemen, the policemen, the staff, the ambulance drivers who showed up on a Saturday night," Gaffin said.
"I'm very happy that everybody made it out," Berry said.