News Summary
A fire at the Davco Personal Care Home in Owensboro resulted in the evacuation of nearly 90 residents, prompting immediate action from staff and local responders. The fire started just after midnight, and while a medication aide suffered smoke inhalation, all residents were safely evacuated. Community support has poured in for those displaced by the incident, with local organizations, including the United Way, coordinating assistance and relocation efforts to ensure residents have a temporary home.
Owensboro, Kentucky – A fire at the Davco Personal Care Home early on May 30, 2025, resulted in the evacuation of nearly 90 residents with no reported injuries. The incident occurred just after midnight around 12:30 a.m., when heavy smoke was seen billowing from a resident’s room, prompting immediate action from the facility’s staff and local emergency responders.
Upon the discovery of the fire, evacuation procedures were swiftly initiated. Staff activated the building’s fire alarms and sprinkler systems, aiding in the safe removal of all residents from danger. One medication aide did suffer smoke inhalation during the evacuation but has since recovered from the incident. Fortunately, the quick response of the staff and firefighters ensured that all residents were successfully evacuated without further complications.
Rob Simpson, owner of Davco Personal Care Home, expressed gratitude for the staff’s quick reactions that led to the miraculous evacuation of the residents. In the aftermath, community support poured in, with local organizations stepping up to assist those affected by the fire.
Local officials, including Lynda Love from the Barren River Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, highlighted the strength and unity displayed by the community. They organized resources and donations to help relocate the displaced residents to safety. The Fern Terrace of Bowling Green, an assisted living facility that had been closed for several years, was re-opened to accommodate the residents of Davco.
One resident, Terry Berry, a survivor of a previous house fire, expressed his appreciation for the immediate assistance and the availability of a new temporary home. Simpson conveyed that the outpouring of community support was a blessing and underscored the critical role such facilities play in the broader healthcare landscape.
In the wake of the fire, numerous local businesses and organizations, including Fruit of the Loom, Hills Pet Nutrition, and various local churches, joined efforts to provide support for the residents. The United Way played an essential role in coordinating the donation process. Nicole Rock, executive director of Golden Gate Bridges, noted the community’s prompt action to help individuals in need.
Tim Colovos, the lead pastor at White Stone, encouraged local entities and individuals to contribute whatever they could to support the evacuated residents. The response from the community reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that everyone affected has access to necessary resources in their time of need.
While the fire caused extensive smoke and water damage in the affected wing of Davco Personal Care Home, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that it may have originated from an electrical appliance or a power strip in the resident’s room. The fire was contained primarily to the affected room, with some damage extending into the attic and hallway, largely thanks to the facility’s sprinkler and alarm systems.
Simpson is currently awaiting further information from fire inspectors regarding the timeline for residents’ potential return to Davco. The District Ombudsman program is focused on collecting monetary donations to provide essential items for the displaced residents. Those wishing to donate can reach out to Lynda Love at 270-780-8835 for more details.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green Resident Helping Owensboro Residents Displaced by Nursing Home Fire
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- WBKO: Displaced Care Facility Residents Find Solace in Bowling Green
- Google Search: Fire Displaced Residents
- Owensboro Times: Fire Displaces 89 Residents at Davco Personal Care Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Tri-State Homepage: 89 Assisted Living Residents Displaced After Owensboro Fire
- Google News: Owensboro Fire Department



