Homewood Fire Department responded to a fire at Skyline Village Retirement Home Saturday night. Chief Broadhead with Homewood Fire Department said fire and smoke were found on the third floor. The retirement home’s sprinkler system activated, holding the flames in check until firefighters extinguish the blaze. Heavy smoke filled the third and fourth floors, complicating evacuation efforts. Because of the number of mobility-impaired residents, a full evacuation was not possible, and fire crews decided to shelter residents in place until conditions improved. Once safe, firefighters assisted residents down stairwells, which were flooded from the sprinkler system.

Chief Broadhead expressed pride in the department’s quick actions and thanked Vestavia Fire, Mountain Brook Fire, and RPS Ambulance for their support. “Our community is fortunate to have dedicated professionals who stand ready to protect and serve at any hour,” said Chief Broadhead.