Scary Moments For Staff And Residents At Crystal Heights

Oskaloosa Fire along with Oskaloosa PD and MHP Ambulance responded to the report of smoke at Crystal Heights Care Facility. They were joined by Mahaska County Emergency Management and New Sharon Fire Chief Steve Gerard, who was in town and heard the call.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – There were a few tense moments for the staff and residents at Crystal Heights Care Center Sunday afternoon around 3:45 in the afternoon.

According to Oskaloosa Fire Captain Dave Christenson a belt was slipping on a motor for the furnace and that was what caused the smoke in the facility. “There was no fire, it just created a lot of smoke.”

The power to the furnace was disconnected while maintenance addressed the problem.

Christenson said that they evacuated the residents, “In a very timely manor. Very impressed with their evacuation.”

Christenson said that there was good response from Oskaloosa Police Department along with Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Services.