YATES CENTER — A wind-fueled wildfire destroyed a Yates Center nursing home Friday as emergency crews from across the state battled for hours to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
All 38 residents of Yates Center Health and Rehab, located on the southwest edge of Yates Center along U.S. 75, were safely evacuated and taken to other care facilities in the area.
The fire originated southwest of town, near South Owl Lake, according to the Woodson County Department of Emergency Management, and created an “immediate and serious threat to the community.”
The Yates Center Fire Department was at the scene within minutes, but by then the fire already was exploding in size and intensity, fueled by ferocious southwest winds, with gusts in excess of 50 mph.
A local disaster was declared, and mutual aid from other agencies was requested.
“Unfortunately, despite the tireless efforts of these crews, the wind-driven fire ultimately consumed the facility, resulting in a total loss,” the Emergency Management Department said in a Facebook post. “This is a devastating event for our community.”
The 38 residents first were housed temporarily at Yates Center High School until being relocated to various care centers in the region.
As smoke shrouded the entire community, visibility became limited to the point portions of U.S. 75 were closed for several hours. Traffic also was closed along U.S. 54, between Yates Center and Eureka, for a time.
Additionally, power to Yates Center was temporarily cut to reduce risks during firefighting efforts.
The fire also ignited a large quantity of shredded tires just south of the Yates Center football field. Firefighters continued to monitor the area into Saturday morning, although the fire is mostly contained.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Additional fire crews were scheduled to arrive at the weekend to provide relief to those already at the scene.
At least 14 fire departments were a part of the firefighting efforts, as well as six emergency medical service departments, and 12 law enforcement and emergency management groups.
“The efforts of these agencies, along with the bravery of our local first responders, prevented this fire from spreading further into the city and causing even greater devastation,” the Woodson County Department of Emergency Management post read. “Their hard work today was nothing short of heroic, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication and professionalism.”
Several local groups, including St. Joseph Catholic Church, G&W Foods and Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant provided food and aid to the emergency crews on the scene.
