Enterprise, Ala. — The long battle to contain a fire at the Command Sgt. Maj Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home has come to an end, with authorities confirming the flames have been extinguished. The fire, which broke out last Wednesday, was the result of an accidental ignition while contractors were working on the roof vents above the kitchen.
According to the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, the investigation into the incident was concluded on Monday. The fire, which had been burning for several days, was finally contained over the weekend, bringing relief to both residents and first responders.
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) Commissioner Jeff Newton expressed his gratitude for the tireless efforts of emergency personnel, praising them for their dedication and hard work throughout the ordeal. “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 in a statement.
Although the fire caused damage to the roof’s shingles, plywood, and insulation, it never spread into the building’s interior, thanks to the quick actions of first responders. Several areas of the facility suffered smoke and water damage, but the residential wings were minimally impacted. One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response and was treated at a hospital before being released.
The swift and efficient evacuation of the facility’s 91 residents was another highlight of the response. The Veterans Home staff acted quickly, getting all residents out of the building within 25 minutes of the evacuation order being issued. “The staff’s ability to have all 90 veterans out of the home so quickly was critical to the incident remaining injury-free,” Commissioner Newton said. “Finding the appropriate words to show gratitude is difficult, but please know your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.”
In the wake of the fire, the ADVA is working with partner organizations to ensure long-term care for the veterans until they can be safely relocated back to the facility. A plan for their care is expected to be finalized this week.
While the damage from the fire was substantial, authorities are thankful that the situation did not result in any fatalities or significant injuries. The quick response from both the Veterans Home staff and emergency personnel has been praised by officials as a model of efficiency and care during a potentially disastrous event.
