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.