Latest news with #MissionHealthCommunities
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community rallies after fire destroys Woodson County's only nursing home
WOODSON COUNTY, Kans. — On Friday, a fire destroyed Woodson County Kansas' only nursing home, leaving a community in doubt about the future. Today, many of the questions about the future were answered. 'We're not going to let this knock us down,' said Johnny Atkin, Woodson County director of emergency management. Fire devastates Yates Center Health Facility, residents evacuated Yates Center Health and Rehab served as Woodson County's only nursing home. Tuesday, Mission Health, the owners of the facility, said they aren't abandoning the town. 'Mission Health's intentions are to rebuild in Yates Center. We just don't know what that plan looks like yet,' said Nikki Jacobs, Mission Health Communities regional VP of operations. That's welcome news to the Yates Center mayor. 'The City of Yates Center is going to do everything we possibly can to make sure we bring them back,' said Justin Weston, mayor of Yates Center. For now, the 38 residents, none of whom were injured in Friday's fire, are staying at sister facilities throughout the region — and the staff went with them. 'We actually had sent all of the Yates Center staff to the sister facilities to assist with the cares there. That helps our staff. They can stay employed, and then, also, the residents get to see those familiar faces,' said Jacobs. The fire that burned the facility began about three-quarters of a mile away. 'The fire call for the 'South Owl Fire,' as we've termed it there at the nursing home, came in at about 3:24,' said Atkin. 18 Yates Center firefighters answered that first call — 'We had worked as hard as we could possibly work to try to save the facility. We just had too much against us. Mother nature wasn't letting up,' said Brandon Gaulding, Yates Center fire chief. Despite their efforts, and those of firefighters from as far away as Kansas City, Kansas, two hours later, the facility was lost. What started that fire remains under investigation. 'Given the extensiveness of this fire, it contained both a wildland element and a structure element, it's going to take us another couple of weeks to get all of our facts together,' said Rich Watson, chief deputy state fire marshal. Satanists sued over 'Black Mass' at Kansas statehouse Community rallies after fire destroys Woodson County's only nursing home Southeast Kansas house fire results in total loss At one point, the fire crossed Highway 75, threatening the rest of Yates Center. After nearly a dozen hours of work, firefighters were able to beat it back, preventing what Atkin, who's also a member of the Yates Center Fire Department, calls 'a catastrophic loss.' 'I don't think I've ever been as proud of anything as I am to call myself a member of the Yates Center Volunteer Fire Department,' said Atkin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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.
