Key Takeaways:
– A sudden fire at the Terraces at Park Marino in Pasadena led to a rapid emergency evacuation of residents.
– Despite no immediate order for evacuation from local and state officials, the staff at Terraces acted promptly and managed the situation.
– The Eaton fire ended up destroying the senior care home entirely, but all residents were accounted for with no fatalities reported.
– The staff from the Terraces managed a temporary “command center” at a nearby hotel to continue helping its residents and employees.
Terrifying Evening Turns into Fight for Life
An ordinary evening at the Terraces at Park Marino senior living community in Pasadena turned into a fight for life when the Eaton fire ravaged the facility. Residents at the community had been engrossed in their daily activities when they became aware of the distant smell of smoke. The facility’s staff initially assessed that they were in no immediate danger. However, as the fire spread and instigated a power outage, it became apparent that immediate action was necessary.
Race Against Time and Flames
As panic ensued, staff members swiftly moved to begin evacuating the building, ensuring each resident wore a lanyard displaying their photo, name, apartment number, and critical medical details. Off-duty staff also arrived to volunteer, and families were contacted to collect residents where possible. As the situation worsened and the fire encroached the backyard of the facility, a complete evacuation was initiated.
Despite the challenges of moving people who were bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound, the staff didn’t hesitate in their commitment to getting everyone to safety. Using emergency stair chairs and even carrying some on their backs, they managed to get all the residents out of the burning building.
Braving Chaos and Smoke
The evacuation was challenging, to say the least, with staff, residents, and workers from a neighboring healthcare facility working together to battle against the chaos, smoke, and swirling coals. In the blurry pandemonium enveloped by fierce winds and fiery haze, strangers became saviors, pulling the elderly from harm’s way and steering them to safety.
Escape to Safety
Once everyone had been safely escorted from the facility, they were transported to the Pasadena Convention Center, a safe distance away from the terror-stricken senior home. Staff members didn’t rest but instead set to work helping residents find temporary accommodation, whether that was a new care home, a hospital, or private housing.
Resilience and Recovery
In the aftermath, the charred remnants were all that was left of the Terraces at Park Marino, but the unwavering spirit of its residents and staff shone brightly. Despite the horror of the night, they showed inspiring resilience as they navigated the circumstances. The staff vouched to rebuild the home and reunite again, while the residents patiently wait to return to the home they hold so dear.
Despite the immense loss, residents of the Terraces found comfort knowing that everyone had made it out alive, thanks to the exemplary efforts of the staff. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that thrives within our communities, even in face of the most adverse circumstances.