A fire reported in Building C of the Holmstad at around 10:47 p.m. Friday caused about $20,000 damage and the evacuation of the building, Batavia fire officials report.
According to a Batavia Fire Department press release, firefighters had the fire under control by 11:02 p.m.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they smelled smoke on the second floor of Building C of the covenant care community at 700 W. Fabyan Parkway. Security also reported smoke on the first floor of C Building.
Emergency personnel reported an electrical panel on fire in the hallway on the first floor and extinguished it using a an extinguisher. Firefighters open drywall around the panel to contain any exposure issues.
Emergency personnel on the second floor reported water coming from the
ceiling and proceeded to open the ceiling. Personnel on the third floor forced a door to a utility closet and found the source of the water, a large water softener tank that had overflowed, traveling down the chase way to the Emergency Electric Panel on the first floor.
The water leak caused arcing, shorting, and fire inside the panel. The loss of power signaled the emergency generator to start, causing additional electrical issues.
A unit from Geneva was assigned to check the electrical panels in the B Building basement and then to assist with evacuation, the press release said.
The residents from all three floors of the C building were evacuated to the B building Lobby and cared for by Holmstad staff members.
Building administration, building maintenance, city electric and the Batavia Building Department were called to the scene.
After assessment, city of Batavia electric crew was able to isolate the emergency panel and generator which removed the hazard. The fire alarm panel was restored by fire crews , and the building turned over to the Holmstad.
Medic 51 treated and transported one person for reasons unrelated to the incident.
Three fire engines, one fire truck, three medical vehicles and two command vehicles reported to the fire, and about 20 personnel were at the scene.
