Kemp Meadows residents evacuated after

WINFIELD — Kemp Meadows Assisted Living residents were evacuated as fire crews responded to a small fire there on Monday night, Dec. 22.
Winfield Fire Chief Blake Farley said the call came in around 9:36 that night. The first units to arrive called in a second alarm, signifying that there was smoke inside the building (located on Tahoe Road behind North Mississippi Health Services-South Marion).
The Winfield Fire Department responded with two engines and a tower truck, and firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire.
“The fire was contained to one wall in one room in the older part of the building,” Farley said. “Right now, the cause of the fire is unknown. It’s still being looked at by the state fire marshal’s office and ourselves.”
No injuries were reported, and Farley said most of the fire damage was contained to that one room with some smoke damage in other locations.
Farley said 13 residents were displaced from the facility after the evacuation due to power being cut, but residents were able to return to the newer parts of the building as of the following Tuesday morning.
“Overall, (our response) was a success—minimal damage, no injuries reported,” Farley said. “That’s all thanks to a great crew we have here at Winfield Fire Department.
“I want to thank the members of our fire department for their quick actions and the training they do to be able to extinguish a fire like this as quickly as they did.
“In addition to our crews, Winfield PD and Marion County EMS helped tremendously on evacuating the residents from the facility.”
The displaced residents were hosted in the Hulsey House in Guin by Guin First Baptist Church, who also brought by food for the residents on Tuesday morning.
“We are blessed as a church to have the opportunity to serve them in this time of need,” said Guin First Baptist Church Pastor Zane Miles. “We give all glory to God for providing us with the facilities and opportunities to extend His love to everyone. I am deeply grateful for our church family, deacons and staff for their willingness to serve at any moment of need. It shows the love of our congregation. I am blessed to be part of such a remarkable church.
“Our prayers are with (Kemp Meadows Manager) Katie (Johnson), the dedicated staff at Kemp Meadows and all the residents. I witnessed firsthand the staff’s diligent efforts to meet every need of the residents, demonstrating amazing care and compassion amid an incredibly challenging and stressful situation. Their commitment is truly inspiring and a testament to the strength of their love for their residents.”