ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)-Several fire departments battled a fire that broke out at an assisted living center under construction in South St. Louis County early Wednesday morning (April 5).
Mattis Pointe Assisted Living (4962 Mattis Rd., 63128) was set to open in the spring of 2017 and was unoccupied when the fire began. It is unclear if a sprinkler system had been installed in the building at this point in the building process.
Mehlville Assistant Fire Chief Dan Lafata said neighbors called in around 3:30 a.m. reporting 40-foot flames shooting from the roof of the main building. Lafata said when crews arrived, the back of the building was consumed by fire.
Firefighters from Mehlville, Crestwood, Affton, Fenton and Webster Groves all worked together to battle the fire. Firefighters spent hours working in a defensive mode trying to contain the fire and protect neighboring buildings.
Mattis Road between St. Anthony Medical Center and Assumption Parish Schools is expected to be shutdown until at least 9 a.m.
Lafata said the building is a total loss. The state fire marshal is on the scene and investigating the cause of the fire. Lafata noted that a storm was passing over the area around the time the fire began so it is possible a lightning strike is to blame.
No firefighters were injured battling the fire.
Good Samaritans deliver coffee to Firefighters working since 3am on a nursing home fire. FOX 2′ cameras were rolling when this woman and child helped emergency responders who had a very long night. Their smiles are priceless.
