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Police chief linked to nursing home fire, report finds
Summary
A report says a discarded cigarette started a fire that destroyed the Vienna Point residential care facility on August 7, 2025, and all residents were evacuated without injury; the county prosecutor is still investigating whether to bring charges.
Content
The Vienna Point residential care facility burned in the early hours of August 7, 2025, and the building was destroyed. Emergency crews evacuated residents and staff, and authorities reported no injuries. Investigators reviewed security video and the state fire marshal described the blaze as the unintended result of a burning cigarette placed near combustible material.
Key facts:
- The fire occurred overnight on August 7, 2025, and the facility was heavily damaged or lost.
- Emergency responders evacuated everyone from the building and officials reported no injuries.
- Investigators and a state fire marshal reported that a discarded cigarette near combustible material started the fire, and security video reportedly shows Vienna Police Chief Shannon Thompson at the scene earlier that night.
- Maries County prosecutors say they are still investigating and have not yet decided whether to file charges.
Summary:
The fire destroyed the Vienna Point facility but did not cause physical injuries to residents or staff. The official finding attributes the blaze to a cigarette placed near combustible material, and the county prosecutor’s decision on potential charges remains undetermined at this time.
