Fire Prompts Mass Evacuation of Sussex Rehab Facility; 24 Patients Hospitalized
Sussex— A fire late Saturday night forced a mass evacuation at the Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of Rhode Island, sending 24 patients to area hospitals and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Ambulances from across the state lined up outside the facility as flames and smoke filled the building. The fire, which broke out shortly after 8 p.m., triggered alarms throughout the center, leading staff to quickly move dozens of vulnerable patients to safety. Many of the residents, some dependent on oxygen and mobility aids, required immediate medical attention.
Emergency crews from Sussex, Warwick, Providence, and surrounding towns converged on the scene within minutes. Firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours, working both inside and outside the facility to control the flames and prevent further damage. Several first responders could be seen escorting patients wrapped in blankets to waiting ambulances under flashing red lights.
“We train for situations like this, but the conditions tonight were extremely challenging,” said Sussex Fire Chief Daniel Croft during a late-night briefing. “Thanks to the quick actions of the staff and our first responders, we were able to evacuate everyone safely.”
According to Croft, 24 patients were transported to various hospitals across the region. Their conditions ranged from smoke inhalation to minor injuries suffered during the evacuation. No fatalities were reported as of Friday morning, though authorities cautioned that some patients remained in critical condition.
Witnesses described scenes of urgency and teamwork as nurses and firefighters worked side by side to evacuate the building. “Everyone was helping everyone,” said Marissa Lee, a nurse at the center. “It didn’t matter what your role was — we just knew we had to get our people out.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Early reports suggest it may have started in a maintenance room on the facility’s east wing, but fire marshals have not ruled out electrical issues or human error. Investigators were seen combing through the building’s charred remains well into the early hours of Friday.
In a statement issued overnight, the facility’s management praised the heroism of their staff and first responders. “The safety and well-being of our patients is always our highest priority,” the statement read. “We are working closely with local hospitals and families to ensure every patient receives the care they need.”
Families of the evacuated patients gathered at a nearby church set up as an emergency shelter. Volunteers handed out water, blankets, and phone chargers as anxious relatives awaited news of their loved ones.
State health officials said they were coordinating efforts to find temporary accommodations for patients who were not hospitalized. Meanwhile, Sussex officials urged the public to avoid the area around the rehab center as clean-up and investigation efforts continued.
“Our thoughts are with the patients, their families, and the brave men and women who responded tonight,” said Sussex Mayor Allison Reed. “This was a terrifying situation, but it could have been far worse without the incredible teamwork we witnessed.”
Authorities are expected to release more information about the fire and the patients’ conditions later today.
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