Fire Forces Nursing Home Evacuations In West Hills

WEST HILLS, CA — An early morning fire forced the evacuation of patients at a skilled nursing facility Tuesday in West Hills, fire officials said.

Flames and the smoke from the fire, which started in the laundry room, forced officials to evacuate about 20 patients, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The blaze broke out at 22125 W. Roscoe Blvd. just after 4:30 a.m., and staff were able to evacuate patients without any injuries, the fire department reported.

It took 55 firefighters 32 minutes to extinguish the fire, LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said in a written statement.

"We evacuated the patients who were closest to the fire," LAFD Battalion Chief Andrew Wordin told Fox 11.

"Twenty of the ninety patients were safely evacuated in their beds outdoors to be closely attended by nursing staff, while the others were safely sheltered in place within the facility, as smoke was effectively isolated by the building's room and sectional fire doors," Humphrey said. "None of the patients or staff have medical complaints related to the fire."

Firefighters used high-powered portable fans to clear residual smoke and to allow all patients and staff to return.

The fire's cause was under investigation. Wordin said the cause of the fire appeared to be electrical.

City News Service contributed to this report.