UPDATE (5:30pm): According to Burke County officials on scene, family reunification for Grace Heights Health and Rehabilitation residents is underway.
Families are being contacted via phone by Grace Heights staff with directions on how to reach their loved ones, while those who arrive on scene to the Foothills Higher Education Center, on the Zaxby’s side of the building, are being directed by Grace Heights and other on-site employees to connect them with their family member(s).
All critical care patients were transported to UNC health campuses in Valdese, Caldwell and Morganton.
Following additional assessments, several patients were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation for heat-related illness and smoke inhalation.
The following departments responded to the scene: Morganton Public Safety, Burke County Emergency Management, Burke County Emergency Services, the Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. Several other agencies assisted Morganton Public Safety by covering calls when crews were on scene. In addition, Caldwell County Emergency Management provided resources, and Burke County REACT has assisted with road closures. The State Bureau of Investigation and Morganton Public Safety are investigating the cause of the fire.
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Morganton Public Safety was dispatched this afternoon at 12:51 PM to Grace Heights Rehabilitation Center due to reports of a structure fire.
There was a significant fire inside the building and firefighters were able to perform suppression efforts and the fire is now under control and extinguished. There were no injuries to patients or firefighters from the fire.
90 patients have been displaced due to the fire. Burke County EMS, Morganton Public Safety, and Burke County Emergency Management is currently locating other facilities and shelters that can take in the displaced patients.
Origin and cause of the fire is still under investigation. More information will be given when it becomes available.