LAWRENCE — There were no injuries Thursday morning when a fire ignited in a commercial dryer at the Berkeley Retirement Home & Nursing Center, fire official said.
Some 35 residents were temporarily evacuated outside and then to a newer part of the center at 150 Berkeley St. after the fire broke out around 10:13 a.m., said Deputy Fire Chief John McInnis.
Firefighters contained the blaze to the commercial dryer, which is roughly three times bigger than a household clothes dryer, he said.
While the fire itself was knocked down quickly, thick smoke lingered in the facility. Firefighters used fans to ventilate the building so the residents could return, McInnis said.
The cause of the dryer fire remained under investigation Thursday.
McInnis estimated damage to the dryer itself and smoke and water damage nearby at about $75,000.
Lawrence police, Lawrence General Hospital ambulance along with Andover and Methuen fire departments also responded.
Fire Chief Brian Moriarty praised Berkeley staff for evacuation efforts tweeting employees “performed flawlessly removing patients and residents to their predesignated areas of refuge.”
Moriarty also lauded the efforts of police and firefighters on social media.
“Excellent work. Excellent training. Excellent results. Thank you all,” the chief tweeted.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill.