Quick response prevented structure fire at nursing home

Centre Wellington fire crews responded to a possible structure fire at Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Home here on Nov. 13 shortly before 5pm.

Volunteer fire captain Jonathan Karn said the fire originated in the lint trap of one of the facility’s large gas drying units, but it was extinguished quickly before any significant damage could occur.

“The guys were able to isolate and shut the gas off to that particular dryer unit,” Karn said. “They took the lint trap out and used a bit of water on it from an extinguisher.”

Residents were isolated from the laundry area until crews were able to contain the smoke, but a full evacuation was not necessary.

Karn said damage was minimal and limited to the lint trap itself.

“I’m assuming that’s replaceable,” he said. “It could have been much worse, but it wasn’t, thankfully.”