(Waupun) A failed light fixture caused a fire at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living Center in Waupun. Fire Chief B.J. DeMaa says his department was called to the facility just before 7pm Monday.
While en route, crews learned that a Waupun police officer used an extinguisher to put out a ceiling light that had been burning. When fire units arrived, smoke was visible in the common area of the assisted living side of the facility and residents were in the process of being evacuated.
Crews were sent in to ensure the fire was out and to check for fire extension. Once the fire was confirmed out, ventilation was started to clear smoke from the building. Lifestar EMS, Waupun First Responders, and additional fire crews assisted facility staff with moving the evacuated residents to the dining hall portion of the building, which was unaffected by the fire.
All 28 residents were accounted for. Personnel were on scene for a little over an hour working on ventilation and assisting with the moving of residents. DeMaa says there are no initial damage estimates at this time. No injuries were reported and all residents were allowed to return to their rooms for the evening.
