Fire devastates Yates Center Health Facility, residents evacuated
YATES CENTER, Kan. — One resident of a Yates Center nursing home did suffer smoke inhalation after Friday's fire destroyed the facility.
The remaining residents, patients, and staff were all safely evacuated following the wildfire. Fire officials say they are not 100% certain what caused the rapidly spreading prairie fire that burned down the Yates Center Health & Rehabilitation facility, in Woodson County, Kansas.
PREVIOUS: Southeast Kansas nursing home catches fire, residents evacuated
According to a news release issued by Mission Health Communities, owners of Yates Center Health and Rehabilitation, they say it was a 'swift and coordinated response' by everyone that saved lives Friday.
Reports say the fire initially set a group of cedar trees ablaze, south of the facility, and eventually spread to the building's roof. Dry conditions and high winds drove the fire to quick acceleration, requiring an immediate emergency response.
The Woodson County Fire Department informed the public that the fire could have posed a 'potential threat,' and leaders at the health center implemented the Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Temporary quarters at Yates Center High School were used to house the 38 residents and patients.
As the fire spread, the town shut off power, requiring additional relocation to other Mission Health area facilities.
Additionally, US Highway 75 was closed for several hours. A first responder rehabilitation center was established in the community building and was staffed by both volunteers and emergency medical personnel.
Although the exact impact of damage is not fully known at this time, reports indicate a 'significant' impact from fire, smoke, and sprinkler activation-related damage. The next steps are being determined by Mission Health, in tandem with area authorities and restoration specialists.
A post on the Woodson County Emergency Management's Facebook page calls the facility a 'total loss.'
'All families of our residents have been notified and will continue to receive updates,' said Nikki Jacobs, regional vice president of Mission Health Communities. 'We are committed to ensuring our residents are comfortable and well cared for as we navigate this situation. Our team is focused on supporting our residents, families, and staff throughout this transition.'
Mission Health thanked the many emergency crews and employees that 'played a vital role in keeping residents safe.'
We will continue to bring updates to this story as they become available.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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