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Lightning strike causes fire at nursing and rehab center in Willard; all residents accounted for, schools closed Friday

Officials say Blossom Healthcare Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was 'engulfed in flames' Thursday evening. All schools in Willard will be closed Friday.

WILLARD, Ohio — Officials are investigating following a fire at a Huron County nursing and rehab facility Thursday evening.

Blossom Healthcare Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on East Howard Street became "engulfed in flames" as severe storms were making their way through the area, building operator Fisher-Titus confirmed. Fire and EMS crews responded to the scene, along with several employees from the company.

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According to a release from the Willard Fire and Rescue Department, it was determined that a lightning strike was the cause of the fire. Two residents from the facility were transferred to the hospital for precautionary measures, while one firefighter was treated on the scene for a minor injury.

Following the fire, a neighboring church was set up as a temporary staging area for the facility's 63 residents until they were transferred to other care facilities

"Thank you to all the first responders who worked quickly and diligently to contain the fire!" the organization said in a statement.

Earlier tonight, Blossom Healthcare Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Willard, became engulfed in flames....

Posted by Fisher-Titus on Thursday, January 19, 2023

"The Willard Fire and Rescue Department would like to thank everyone who assisted with this event," the department added in a statement. "The outpouring of support from our community and the neighboring communities is truly amazing. "

Administrators have also confirmed Willard City Schools will be closed Friday at least in part because of the incident, along with St. Francis Xavier School, Celeryville Christian School, and Pioneer Career and Technology Center. According to the district, multiple bus drivers assisted with efforts at Blossom.

Willard City Schools including St. Francis, Celeryville and Pioneer will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 20th.

Posted by Willard City Schools on Thursday, January 19, 2023

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