Fire forces evacuation of a Mississippi senior living center and
destroys much of the building
[October 22, 2026]
By SOPHIE BATES and HALLIE GOLDEN
CLINTON, Miss. (AP) — A fire tore through a Mississippi senior living
center Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of its residents and destroying
much of the building that was home to more than 100 people. There were
no confirmed casualties, but authorities searched the site into the
night to account for everyone.
There were no immediate reports of injuries at Brookdale Clinton, where
many residents have mobility issues, and by Wednesday night the fire was
under control, according to officials.
The “majority of the building is gone," said Marlee Price-Cook, director
of communication for Clinton, which is about 10 miles (16 kilometers)
northwest of Jackson.
Residents who had been evacuated were bused to a church, where a crowd
of people who appeared to be residents' family members or loved ones
waited outside.
WLBT-TV showed images of a handful of older people sitting across the
street and watching as bright orange flames and black smoke stretched
into the sky. One of them was in a wheelchair and the others had walkers
or other mobility aids. One also had a small dog. The roof of the
building was partially collapsed, as firefighters sprayed the building.
Price-Cook said some residents were with family members or had been
checked out for the day before the fire.
“In the midst of the chaos, that’s what they’re doing now, is making
sure they can account for the residents whose names they were not able
to mark off,” she said.
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Smoke billows after a fire caused evacuations at Brookdale Senior
Living in Clinton, Miss. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (AP
Photo/Sophie Bates)
Brookdale was making arrangements for those who had been displaced
to be moved to some of the company’s sister properties, she said.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a statement on X that
“Mississippi is praying for the residents, employees and families
affected by the terrible fire at the Brookdale assisted living
facility in Clinton. This is truly an awful situation.”
Reeves said the state health department and the Mississippi
Emergency Management Agency, as well as multiple fire departments,
were helping with the response and search of the building.
A message sent to Brookdale Senior Living was not immediately
answered Wednesday night. The organization's website says the
Brookdale Clinton facility includes independent living spaces, as
well as assisted living and memory care services.
The city asked the public to avoid the immediate area so emergency
crews could work. The cause of the fire will be investigated.
___
Golden reported from Seattle.
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