Enterprise, Ala. — A fire that had threatened the safety of residents and staff at the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise has finally been extinguished after several days of intense firefighting efforts. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed that the blaze, which broke out on Wednesday night, was caused by an accidental fire started while contractors were working on roof vents above the kitchen.
The fire, which initially spread to the shingles, plywood, and styrofoam insulation on the roof’s steel base, was contained to the upper areas of the building. While the flames never spread through the entire structure, the facility did sustain significant smoke and water damage, particularly in areas surrounding the fire’s origin. Fortunately, the residential areas, where 91 veterans were housed, were minimally impacted.
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) issued an update on Monday, announcing that the fire had been fully extinguished over the weekend. ADVA Commissioner Jeff Newton expressed deep gratitude for the first responders who worked tirelessly to contain the fire. In his statement, Newton praised the men and women whose relentless efforts over the following days led to the fire being brought under control.
“I want to wholeheartedly thank the first responders who worked diligently last Wednesday night to contain the fire and the many men and women whose continued effort spanned countless hours during the days following to lead to the fire being put out,” Newton said.
While the majority of residents were unharmed, one firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze. The firefighter was treated at a local hospital and later released.
A key aspect of the successful response was the swift evacuation of the veterans living at the facility. As the flames intensified Wednesday night, the staff at the veterans home acted quickly to evacuate the 91 residents, transferring them to a nearby rehab center in Enterprise. In an impressive display of organization and efficiency, all residents were safely moved within 25 minutes of the evacuation order being issued.
“The Veterans Home staff’s ability to evacuate all 90 veterans in such a short amount of time was critical in ensuring no one was injured,” Newton said. “Though the fire did not directly impact the residential wings, their dedication and quick actions played a major role in the success of the operation.”
In the aftermath of the fire, the ADVA has been coordinating with local groups and organizations to establish temporary housing and long-term care plans for the displaced veterans. A formal plan is expected to be finalized this week, ensuring that the veterans will have the necessary care until they can safely return to the facility.
The fire investigation has been concluded, and officials have determined that it was an accident caused by contractors working on the roof. Despite the extensive damage to the building, the community’s response to the emergency highlighted the preparedness and dedication of both the veterans home staff and the first responders who worked through the night to control the situation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and efficient evacuation plans in ensuring the well-being of vulnerable residents.
