Fast action stops fire at Streamway Villa
Three staff members evacuate residents safely
Wednesday March 26, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Thanks to the calculated work of three staff members, a late night fire on the roof of Streamway Villa was prevented from spreading.

Robin Holland, administrator at the home, says on March 19 around 11:30 p.m. a fan on the north wing’s roof malfunctioned, resulting in the fan belt catching fire and burning.

Susan Kellar, registered nurse, was working in the dining room when one of the residents approached her commenting that she smelt smoke.

Also smelling the smoke, Kellar says she alerted the other staff members and then sounded the alarm.

With the help of a 97-year old resident who was previously a fireman, Kellar and two personal support workers (PSWs), Yamilia and Manda, got everyone up and evacuated to the south dining room.

When the firemen arrived shortly after, Kellar says everything was under control.

“It went very well and everybody was so calm,” says Kellar. “We did what we had to do.”

The staff evacuated the residents beginning in the north wing at room one. Residents were woken up and escorted to the dining room in the other wing. Two staff members checked each room, closing each door after it was emptied.

The fast action meant the fire was caught before it could do any real damage and the fireman complimented the staff and residents on their approach.

Holland arrived shortly after midnight and says she was impressed with the situation.

The Cobourg long-term care home was also under outbreak and Holland was worried between the illness and the confusion, the event would really upset the residents.

Nutritional care manager Margaret Houston and care manager Kerrie Chapple also came to the home and were pleased to see how composed everyone seemed to be. They spent time comforting residents and helping staff members get everyone back to bed.

Holland says the event was completely over by 1 a.m. and thanks the staff for working so well together.

“They did a super job,” says Holland. “I can’t compliment them enough, they were just amazing.”

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