ENTERPRISE, Ala. – A multi-hour fire severely damaged a portion of the roof and attic of the newly constructed Benny G. Adkins Veterans Home in Enterprise on Wednesday night. While no injuries have been reported, the incident has left local officials and emergency responders working to assess the cause and extent of the damage.
The fire, which began in the attic area above the kitchen and mechanical sections of the facility, prompted an immediate response from fire crews across Coffee County, as well as neighboring Geneva County. By Thursday afternoon, crews were still on-site, battling the smoldering attic fire that continued to emit a plume of white smoke visible from miles away. Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, authorities have stated that the blaze was contained to the exterior roof at the rear of the facility.
Enterprise Fire Chief Christopher Davis confirmed that an investigation is underway, with the Alabama State Fire Marshal overseeing the inquiry. Although early reports indicated that arson is not suspected, officials remain focused on identifying the cause of the blaze.
According to Coffee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the fire’s complex impact on the roof’s design made the containment process especially challenging. In a statement posted on social media, the EMA commended fire crews for their tireless work in preventing the spread of the flames.
As a precaution, 91 residents were evacuated from the facility and transferred to a nearby nursing home in Enterprise. Alabama state officials have indicated that, once the situation stabilizes, veterans may be relocated to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities while repairs are made to the home.
In a statement to local news outlet WDHN, Coffee County officials confirmed that no injuries were reported during the evacuation. The coordinated efforts of emergency responders from multiple jurisdictions ensured that all residents were safely removed from the building.
The fire has raised concerns about the safety protocols at the newly opened facility, though authorities have emphasized the swift and effective response by fire crews. Investigators continue to work to determine the exact origin of the fire and the overall damage to the structure.
As the investigation progresses, local officials remain committed to supporting the veterans affected by this incident and ensuring the facility can be restored to full operation as quickly as possible.
