Full Breakdown
Fire Ravages Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Clinton, Mississippi
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident
Around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a large fire broke out at the Brookdale Senior Living complex on East Northside Drive in Clinton, a town about 10 miles northwest of Jackson. The blaze quickly engulfed the building, causing the roof to collapse and shattering windows. Officials said two wings of the 102-resident facility were a total loss. Firefighters from Clinton, Jackson, Raymond and Hinds County responded, conducting secondary sweeps to ensure no one remained inside. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Response and Evacuations
All residents were evacuated, many with mobility aids, and taken to Morrison Heights Baptist Church on Hampstead Boulevard where family members awaited. Some residents were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Marlee Price-Cook, director of communications for the Clinton facility. Brookdale Senior Living announced plans to relocate displaced residents to sister properties while authorities continued to search the structure. The city asked the public to avoid the immediate area to allow emergency crews to work safely.
Official Statements
He noted that the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Emergency Management Agency and multiple fire departments are assisting with the response and investigation.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Resident Katherine Salvant recalled hearing a neighbor shout, “It’s on fire, get out,” as she and her husband fled with their dog. College student John Maxwell, who witnessed the chaos, described residents being rolled onto the patio in wheelchairs while volunteers helped move them away from the flames.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mississippi is praying for the residents, employees and families affected by the terrible fire at the Brookdale assisted living facility in Clinton. This is truly an awful situation.” — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, governor
- “The lady knocking on the door said, 'It’s on fire, get out.' He’s looking for his shoes, I had my shoes, and I was gone,” — Katherine Salvant, a resident of the facility, referring to her husband