Smoke forces evacuations at Washington State Soldiers Home in Orting



ORTING, Wash. -- Patients were evacuated Thursday afternoon from the Washington State Soldiers Home in Orting after smoke was reported in the attic.

Crews were called to the 1300 block of Orting Kapowsin Highway East shortly after 2 p.m.

According to Orting Valley Fire and Rescue, the attic fire was in the Skilled Nursing Building. All 93 patients were evacuated.

Several people were being evaluated for smoke inhalation.

Officials said there were no flames, just smoke. The source was an exhaust fan motor which overheated above the kitchen.