Sprinkler Douses Flames in Maryland Nursing Home

June 19, 2006
Careless smoking is blamed for sparking the fire that left dozens of Alzheimer's patients homeless.

Montgomery County fire investigators say a fire that displaced dozens of Alzheimer's disease patients in Kensington, Md., was started by a careless smoker.

No one was injured in the blaze at Manor Care's Arden Courts on Knowles Avenue, but 56 patients had to be moved to other Manor Care homes.

Manor Care officials have yet to say when the patients will be able to return, because the roof and the exterior of the building were badly burned.

The living quarters were protected by a sprinkler system and were not damaged.

Copyright 2006 by nbc4.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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