Propane leak causes fire at Kentucky plant, forces evacuation of nursing home

A fire occurred yesterday at the Vinland Energy plant on Gabbard Fork Road in Clay County last night.

The origin of the fire was labeled as “small, controlled and poses no environmental or safety concerns,” according to a Facebook post made by Clay County Emergency Management. The decision was made at the time to let the fire burn itself out.

Earlier today, the fire had not yet been resolved and the decision was made to evacuate the scene within a one mile radius. This evacuation included the Landmark of Laurel Creek Nursing Home.

“Authorities notified us of a significant propane leak in the vicinity, prompting us to take immediate action to safeguard the residents under our care,” according to a Facebook post made by the Landmark of Laurel Creek Nursing Home. “Family members of evacuated residents have been notified and provided with information about the evacuation process and the current status of their loved ones.”

Clay County Emergency Management said that they are working with emergency first responder agencies in Clay County as well as surrounding counties to monitor the situation and that the scene remained under control.

Fogertown Fire & Rescue instructed evacuated residents to proceed to Manchester Elementary School for further instructions.

According to a post made by the Fogertown Fire & Rescue yesterday, firefighters are utilizing aerial devices to keep the fire contained and that firefighters from surrounding counties have responded to the scene.

The Fogertown Fire & Rescue reported the fire to be extinguished and contained.

“A joint effort between multiple fire agencies, EMS, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, and the phenomenal group of 911 dispatchers from each county,” a Fogertown Fire & Rescue FaceBook post stated. “Multiple praises to everyone on scene that mitigated what had been a very dangerous situation.”

Clay County Emergency Management said via Facebook that another update is to follow at 3:00 p.m. today, May 23.