Earlier this morning, a fire erupted at the Somerset Ridge Center nursing home in Somerset, Massachusetts, but prompt action by staff and the building's sprinkler system prevented injuries. According to NBC Boston, Somerset Fire Chief Jamison Barros reported that the blaze was concentrated in the community room of the facility's east wing on the second floor. The call came in just after 3:30 a.m., and firefighters faced moderate to heavy smoke conditions upon arrival.
Despite the potential for a grave situation reminiscent of the recent tragedy in Fall River, an effective response from the staff at Somerset Ridge helped to ensure resident safety. "The staff did a fantastic job of isolating that room. They actually used some extinguishers to put out the fire in that room and start to shuttle and shelter in place the residents they had, so they did a fantastic job," Barros told WPRI. All 43 residents on the second floor had to shelter in place, with some being displaced within the facility due to water damage.
Although the extent of the property damage is still unknown, no injuries were reported. One nurse recounted the chaotic scene, saying, "There was water everywhere, smoke everywhere, so I grabbed a fire extinguisher and handed it to my aide and told him, 'Go over there, I’m going to finish securing where I am, and I’ll be over to help.' And that’s what I did. When I got over the whole place was full of smoke and water and we just started securing the residents, they were first priority." This incident serves as yet another reminder of the importance of quick-thinking and preparedness in emergency situations.
Crews from surrounding areas including Fall River, Dighton, and Swansea were called in to assist with the fire. The cause of the fire is not immediately known and is currently under investigation. The recent fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, which resulted in ten fatalities, was on Chief Barros's mind as his department responded to the Somerset Ridge Center call, he shared with NBC Boston. This precedent underscored the urgency and careful measures taken during the incident at Somerset.
