Fire Severely Damages La Crescent Assisted Living Facility, All Residents Safely Evacuated

A fire broke out at the Traditions of La Crescent assisted living facility on Saturday afternoon, causing significant damage to the building. The La Crescent Police Department received the call at 3:31 p.m., and officers arrived on the scene within minutes to find flames at the rear of the building. Staff members quickly worked to evacuate all 17 residents, with help from police officers and a firefighter. Thankfully, no residents, staff, or emergency personnel were injured during the evacuation. The fire spread through the building, with flames visible from the roof on the west side. Windy conditions made it difficult for crews to extinguish the blaze, but multiple departments provided assistance, including fire crews from Onalaska, Campbell, Dakota, Hokah, and Nodine. Residents were temporarily relocated to First Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Crescent while alternative living arrangements were being made. Ready Bus Line and the American Red Cross also stepped in to assist the displaced residents. As of Saturday night, fire crews remained on the scene. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, and police have urged the public to avoid the area while firefighters continue their work.