Martin County Fire Rescue believes fire was sparked by lit cigarette
HOBE SOUND, Fla. — Martin County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the Martin Coast Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare on Monday just after noon. The center is on Southeast Federal Highway.
Firefighters quickly controlled the fire when they arrived. The building’s sprinkler system had already turned on, and crews worked to turn it off once the fire was out.
Because of the fire, 28 residents had to leave the building temporarily. Eleven of them are staying in another building on the center’s property, while the others were taken to a nearby assisted living facility.
Three patients were checked by responders. One was seriously hurt and airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center. Another had minor injuries and was taken to Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital. The third had minor injuries but chose not to go to the hospital.
Firefighters used special equipment to clear the smoke and kept the fire from spreading.
The fire is believed to have started from a lit cigarette.
