An Aiken retirement community is reaching out to residents who lost their housing to a massive fire in Evans early this morning.
Cumberland Village is offering short and long-term housing options to residents who were displaced in the Marshall Square Retirement Resort in Columbia County, according to a press release.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this morning's fire," stated Jason Stewart, executive director of Cumberland Village. "The stress and anxiety these seniors and their families are experiencing now cannot be imagined. Cumberland Village wants to relieve them of at least some of their stress they are facing by offering our services and housing options to those in immediate need."
The Augusta Chronicle reports fire alarms went off shortly after 3 a.m. at the Marshall Square retirement community in Evans. The newspaper says the blaze had destroyed most of the central part of the multi-story complex by 5 a.m. and was spreading into the eastern wing.
Residents, many in their pajamas and using walkers or wheelchairs, were evacuated and taken to the auditorium of the nearby county government center. County emergency and operations director Pam Tucker said many residents had been picked up by family members by 8 a.m.
Two people were unaccounted for but first responders told the Augusta Chronicle that out of the 85 Marshall Square residents, one person is dead and another was rescued.
"These seniors and families have so much to deal with right now, searching for appropriate short or long-term housing should not have to be on their list today," stated Dougal Kear, director of marketing for Cumberland Village. "That is why we here at Cumberland Village are reaching out to those seniors and families to offer an easy transition. Our team is prepared to meet with seniors and their families at any time either at the temporary housing site, or here at our community. For families out-of-town, we can even meet over the phone, or face-to-face via the Internet or smart phones. We want to make the housing transition as easy as possible and at least remove one burden off those affected today."
Displaced residents or their families can call 803-643-0073 for more information or stop by Cumberland Village located at 3335 Wise Creek Lane.
Southern Souls Rescue based in Harlem, Georgia, is also offering boarding and food for any pets of Marshall Square residents. They can be contacted at 706-556-9009 or emailed at Southernsouls@aol.com.
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The Associated Press and the Augusta Chronicle contributed to this report.