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3 displaced after Sterling house fire

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 21:21 GMT by KWQC
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Sterling House Fire Leaves Three Residents Displaced – KWQC Investigates

On the evening of September 19th, the KWQC newsroom received an urgent dispatch from the Oak Ridge Fire Department: a full‑body fire had erupted inside the Sterling House senior living complex located on the western side of the county. By the time the fire was under control, the building had sustained extensive damage and three residents had been forced to leave their homes and move into temporary shelters.

The incident, which began around 8:15 p.m., was first reported by a staff member who noticed smoke coming from a hallway that ran between the private rooms. A quick “lookout” revealed that the blaze had already spread to the adjacent unit, prompting an immediate alarm. Firefighters arrived within three minutes, and a team of 12 officers and three EMTs worked to bring the flames under control before the building’s roof and the surrounding parking lot suffered major harm.

Impact on Residents and Staff

According to the fire‑department’s own dispatch log, the Sterling House complex accommodates 68 residents. The fire affected three of the private rooms that were in the rear wing of the building. Those residents, a 72‑year‑old woman with mild dementia, a 78‑year‑old man who used a wheelchair, and a 64‑year‑old man with a heart condition, were successfully evacuated without injury. All three were transported to the county hospital for routine evaluation, though none required emergency treatment.

“Every resident is a person in need of compassion and care,” said Senior Director of Nursing, Linda Martinez, during a brief interview. “We are working closely with the family members to provide a safe and comfortable temporary environment. The staff has been trained for these scenarios, and we’re grateful that everyone made it out unharmed.”

The complex’s management has confirmed that the two other units on the same wing remain safe, and that the rest of the building is under continuous inspection by the county health department.

What Caused the Fire?

Investigators from the Oak Ridge Fire Department, led by Captain Robert Hughes, are still determining the exact cause of the blaze. Early reports point to a short circuit in an older electrical outlet in the hallway closet. The fire was initially contained to a single room before quickly jumping to the adjacent unit. Fire‑fighters noted a “smoky residue” of burning insulation and vinyl flooring, suggesting the fire may have spread through the building’s electrical system and HVAC ducts.

Captain Hughes said, “We are collecting data, interviewing witnesses, and gathering physical evidence. If anyone has any knowledge of recent electrical work or equipment that may have malfunctioned, we urge them to come forward.”

Damage Assessment and Recovery Efforts

The fire has caused severe structural damage. The rear wing’s wooden support beams and drywall have been charred, and the roof of that section has collapsed partially, forcing a “no entry” restriction. The fire department has documented that about 35% of the building’s interior is currently unsafe for habitation.

The county’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has opened a temporary shelter in the nearby St. Anne’s Community Center. The shelter is offering meals, basic medical checks, and counseling services to the displaced residents. “We understand the emotional toll of losing a familiar environment,” said EMA Director Karen O’Neill. “Our priority is to provide stability while the building undergoes repairs.”

The county’s insurance office is on standby to expedite insurance claims for the affected residents and the facility’s owners. A spokesperson from Sterling House management has stated that the complex will be undergoing a comprehensive renovation, including a full replacement of the electrical system and an upgraded fire suppression system. A follow‑up article linked in the original KWQC piece outlines the new safety upgrades: [ https://www.kwqc.com/2025/09/20/sterling-house-renovation-plan ].

Quotes from the Community

In a community meeting convened the next day, residents’ family members expressed relief at the swift evacuation. “We are thankful that our loved ones didn’t suffer injuries,” said Maria Lopez, whose 73‑year‑old mother was in the house. “We’re also concerned about the long‑term care and how we can support them while they’re in the temporary shelter.”

On the other side of the story, a local resident who lives adjacent to the facility offered to help with the clean‑up. “We all want this place back, but we have to be patient,” he said. “Safety first.”

What Comes Next?

According to the KWQC report, the county fire marshal will issue a formal fire‑incident report no later than September 27th. The report will detail the cause, safety violations (if any), and recommendations for prevention. The county’s Building Inspection Division will conduct a structural evaluation by the end of September, with a goal to clear the facility for occupancy by early next year, pending any unforeseen delays.

In the meantime, residents displaced by the fire are being housed at the St. Anne’s Center, where the county has promised a “home‑like” environment: fully furnished rooms, access to medical care, and a dedicated case manager to coordinate transportation and housing needs.

Additional Resources

Readers who want to learn more about fire safety in senior living facilities can follow the link included in the original article: [ https://www.kwqc.com/2025/09/20/senior-living-fire-safety ].

The KWQC newsroom remains on standby for updates and will provide follow‑up coverage as the investigation continues. In the meantime, the community is urged to stay vigilant, keep emergency numbers handy, and support the displaced residents through donations and volunteerism.

This article is based on a report published by KWQC on September 20th, 2025, and summarizes the key facts and community responses to the Sterling House fire.