Burgaw orders evacuation of assisted living facility over safety concerns

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Burgaw has ordered the immediate evacuation and temporary closure of Poplar Grove Assisted Living Facility after officials identified multiple serious fire and life safety violations.

According to town officials, the facility at 300 W. Ashe St. was ordered to cease operations and evacuate all occupants following an inspection and investigation by the Burgaw Fire Marshal’s Office. The Order of Evacuation and Immediate Compliance was issued March 25.

Officials say the investigation found conditions posing an imminent danger to residents, staff and property, including failures in fire alarm and sprinkler systems, impaired life safety equipment, lack of required inspections and documentation, and other unsafe conditions affecting emergency response capabilities.

Multiple agencies responded, including the Burgaw Fire Marshal’s Office, Burgaw Fire Department, Burgaw Police Department, Town of Burgaw administration, Pender County Department of Social Services, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and Pender County Emergency Management.

All residents were safely relocated to Onslow House, an assisted living facility in Jacksonville, after the transfer was approved by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Officials said the move was coordinated to ensure continuity of care, and families were notified throughout the process.

“This is never an action we want to take,” Town Manager James Gantt said. “However, the safety of the residents, facility staff, and any first responders who may be called to the facility must always be our highest priority.”

Fire Chief Johnathan Prevatte said the conditions at the facility meant critical life safety systems could not be relied upon in an emergency.

“In a residential care setting, that level of risk is unacceptable,” Prevatte said. “Our duty is to ensure that every resident has the highest level of protection possible, and when that standard is not met, decisive action is necessary to protect lives.”

Town officials say Poplar Grove Assisted Living Facility will remain closed until all violations are corrected and fire protection and life safety systems are restored, tested and approved.

Residents will not be allowed to return until the facility is deemed safe by the Burgaw Fire Marshal, building inspection staff, the Health Department and the Department of Social Services.

Family members seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Town of Burgaw or the Pender County Department of Social Services.