A suspicious fire destroyed the old Friendship House Nursing Home at 1000 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Centralia Friday afternoon.
The first Centralia City Firemen on the scene found fire in the southeast section of the structure which quickly spread through the ventilation system and attic to all three wings of the old nursing home. The roof was burned off the facility while walls remain standing, including the inside walls that were constructed of brick.
All off-duty Centralia City Firefighters were called in and mutual aid was received from the Centralia Fire Protection District, Odin, Sandoval, Salem, Mt. Vernon, Iuka and Jefferson Fire.
Three aerial units led the firefighting effort, pouring water down into the fire. They include the Centralia and Mt. Vernon platform aerial units and the Centralia Fire Protection District Snorkel. Three additional water lines were laid from three nearby hydrants to support the air attack. Firemen reported adequate water was never an issue. Firemen never entered the building because the blaze spread so fast after their arrival.
Life Star Ambulance had two ambulances on the scene in case of injury and provided water and ice cold drinks for the firefighters as well as relief. Centralia Fire officials say there were no injuries in the firefighting effort.
Several Centralia ESDA units provided traffic control away from the scene.
An Illinois State Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. Centralia firemen say numerous doors and windows were open apparently offering entrance to the homeless who are believed to have utilized the building.
There was still electricity in the building. Ameren arrived quickly after seeing the smoke from the fire. There were still oxygen tanks inside the building, but there were no explosions.
Firemen were called to the scene around 12:30 Friday afternoon and were able to clear the scene around 5:30 pm.
Aerial view of fighting effort at vacant Friendship House Nursing Home. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Firemen fight blaze from ground and air at vacant Friendship House Nursing Home. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Centralia Fire Protection District Snorkel shoots water on former Friendship House fire. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
