Fire forces evacuation of a Mississippi senior living center and destroys much of the building

CLINTON, Miss. (AP) — A fire tore through a Mississippi senior living center Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of its residents and destroying much of the building that was home to more than 100 people. There were no confirmed casualties, but authorities searched the site into the night to account for everyone.

There were no immediate reports of injuries at Brookdale Clinton, where many residents have mobility issues, and by Wednesday night the fire was under control, according to officials.

The “majority of the building is gone,” said Marlee Price-Cook, director of communication for Clinton, which is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Jackson.

Residents who had been evacuated were bused to a church, where a crowd of people who appeared to be residents’ family members or loved ones waited outside.

A local news station showed images of a handful of older people sitting across the street and watching as bright orange flames and black smoke stretched into the sky. One of them was in a wheelchair and the others had walkers or other mobility aids. One also had a small dog. The roof of the building was partially collapsed, as firefighters sprayed the building.

Price-Cook said some residents were with family members or had been checked out for the day before the fire.

“In the midst of the chaos, that’s what they’re doing now, is making sure they can account for the residents whose names they were not able to mark off,” she said.

Brookdale was making arrangements for those who had been displaced to be moved to some of the company’s sister properties, she said.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a statement on X that “Mississippi is praying for the residents, employees and families affected by the terrible fire at the Brookdale assisted living facility in Clinton. This is truly an awful situation.”

Reeves said the state health department and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, as well as multiple fire departments, were helping with the response and search of the building.

A message sent to Brookdale Senior Living was not immediately answered Wednesday night. The organization’s website says the Brookdale Clinton facility includes independent living spaces, as well as assisted living and memory care services.

The city asked the public to avoid the immediate area so emergency crews could work. The cause of the fire will be investigated.