USW health care workers assist evacuations at senior care facility in St. Albert

On Thursday, May 6, a fire broke out at the Citadel Mews in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. As a precaution, residents and staff from the adjoining building, Citadel Care Centre, were evacuated. Staff at the Citadel Care Centre are members of USW Local 1-207.

Steelworkers along with first responders and volunteers safely evacuated 129 residents at Citadel Care Centre in less than 45 minutes.

“This was a mammoth effort for our members as they had to quickly work in difficult conditions, without power, to safely evacuate the residents,” said Local 1-207 President Ray White. “This situation is the worst nightmare for any long-term care worker and we would like to thank all involved for their bravery and the care they provided to their residents during this difficult time.”

While three people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and minor lacerations, all USW members, residents and staff are safe and were cared for at other locations. The fire was fully extinguished just after 9:00 a.m. on Friday.

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