ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) – Firefighters are still working to fully contain a fire that broke out Wednesday evening at the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home. Smoke from the attic area continues to rise, creating a visible white plume seen from miles away.
During a Thursday morning press conference, officials from the City of Enterprise, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), HMR, and the Coffee County Emergency Management Agency shared updates on the fire, the relocation of residents, and the next steps.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. All 90 residents were safely moved to the Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation Center and Medical Center Enterprise, where they will continue receiving care.
Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper praised first responders and the community for their quick and unified response.
“I want to thank our first responders for the job they have done and what they are doing now. Some of them have been here all night long working, trying to make sure everything is taken care of,” Cooper said. “Thank you also to our local facilities like the hospital and the rehab center. It makes no difference what the situation might be, Enterprise is always together. We are very thankful for our citizens, the restaurants and others who have come in to help.”
Enterprise Fire Chief Christopher Davis confirmed the fire remains under investigation but noted that arson is not suspected.
“This fire is under investigation so you are not going to hear a great deal about it from me,” Davis said. “It is still a dynamic situation. We are still working hard.”
Volunteer departments are currently assisting the city with fire coverage.
“Our community partners came out and aided us in amazing ways,” Davis said. “I appreciate them. The firefighters appreciate them. I’ve got to give it up to the personnel, most of which still have not slept.”
The fire was first reported around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. According to Coffee County Emergency Management Director Grant Lyons, the evacuation took about an hour and was executed smoothly.
“There could not be a better place for our Veterans at this moment,” said Dalton Freeman, HMR Regional Vice President of Operations. “It is an unfortunate event, but a very good outcome thus far. It was a flawless, seamless transition so we are very blessed.”
Several members of the ADVA are in Enterprise to support Veterans and their families while determining long-term plans for the facility.
“The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs will continue working with HMR in developing a long-term plan which could potentially include having our Veterans transported to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the state,” said ADVA Public Information Manager Brandon Miller. “We look forward to welcoming our Veterans back home to the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home at the appropriate time. The ADVA has considered it a blessing and an honor to work with this community since announcing this facility about six years ago. The support and effort shown last night and into this morning is just the latest testament to that support and teamwork.”
Officials are asking the Enterprise community to avoid the area for now.
“The support from the Enterprise community is heartwarming. We appreciate all of the businesses, churches and various organizations that have offered to provide food and drinks for our first responders to give them the fuel and energy needed to do their job,” Lyons said. “We are working closely with representatives from HMR and the ADVA to identify needs for the Veterans. We will share that information and donation requests through the Coffee County EMA Facebook page.”
