Cause sought after fire reported at Wake Forest nursing home/rehab center

The Wake Forest Fire Department responded to the Hillside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located at 968 Wait Ave., around 7 a.m. Crews were still at the scene five hours later as they investigated the blaze.

When firefighters arrived, they found a small fire burning inside a resident's rooms.

One victim was rushed for medical treatment to a burn center operated by UNC Health Care and two others were hospitalized for treatment for smoke inhalation. Information about their conditions was pending. Authorities said the two victims treated for smoke were employees at the center.

Batallion Chief Edward Barrett said there was no structural damage to the building and damage was confined largely to the room at the far end of the building where the fire broke out.

"It was located in a room and it was confined to that room," he said. "It was quickly extinguished by Engine 1, the same engine company that performed the rescue. They did a good job."

At least 10 residents were forced out of their rooms while crews worked to extinguish the blaze. There were being sheltered at the center.

The identities of the victims were pending.

"I got kinda nervous and got dressed and came right over," said Linda Alfano, who brother, Michael Kuzmicki, is confined to a wheelchair and a resident at the center.  "He can't do for himself."

Kuzmicki said he did not hear the alarm or smell smoke.