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Cognitively Impaired Resident Starts Overnight Fire at Asturias Nursing Home, Injuring Four

Authorities have launched a safety review following the containment of an early-morning fire started by a cognitively impaired resident.

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Overview

  • The blaze broke out at 1:43 AM on June 4 at the Ave María care home in La Barganiza and was largely extinguished by night staff before firefighters arrived.
  • Four people were hurt, including a 73-year-old man with serious burns and smoke inhalation who is being treated at Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias.
  • Of the 132 residents, about 40 were evacuated to a secure area while two rooms suffered fire or smoke damage.
  • Investigators say the fire was ignited by a new resident with significant cognitive decline who had been at the facility for only three days.
  • Local leaders have urged a thorough examination of nursing home safety protocols for residents with cognitive impairments.