Blaze at Montesano care facility displaces 77 patients Wednesday, draws regional response
A fire at a Montesano long-term care facility displaced 77 patients and drew a coordinated response from regional firefighters on Wednesday.
Crews responded to the blaze at about 5:30 p.m. after receiving calls from the Montesano Health and Rehabilitation and its neighbors. Twenty-nine staff and some neighbors evacuated all patients from the facility, according to the Montesano Police Department.
A Montesano Fire Department engine arrived on scene at 5:36 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof at the north end of the building, according to the fire department. About 50 firefighters responded to the blaze from regional agencies.
Firefighters got the blaze under control in under three hours, according to the Montesano Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The coordinated effort came about because the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office authorized a state mobilization. Ambulance teams from Pierce, Thurston and Pacific counties were dispatched to help care for and transport patients.
Most patients were transported to Montesano Junior High School on buses from the Montesano School District and Grays Harbor Transit, according to fire officials.
Police reported no injuries. However, two patients were transported to regional hospitals to receive higher level care.
The regional Disaster Medical Coordination Center has started working on finding space at other facilities for the displaced patients, according to fire officials. Red Cross Northwest said its teams also are working to help patients.
The facility, located at 800 North Medcalf Street in Montesano, cares for patients who are recovering from injuries or surgery as well as those receiving end-of-life care.
This story was originally published September 15, 2022 at 8:03 AM.
