A cigarette discarded on one of the buidling's access ramps probably led to the big fire at the Orchard Creek nursing home last week. Elmwood Fire Chief Ray Haring told the Elmwood Township Board of Trustees meeting Monday night that "we haven't found the cigarette butt," but that he was sure the fire began on the outside ramp. High winds spread the blaze to the structure's attic area, where it quickly grew.

The fire resulted in a total loss of the structure. No residents were injured thanks to a speedy evacuation and the rapid response from the fire department.

Regarding the alert given to residents of Orchard Creek, Cedar Creek Commons, and Woodwinds to boil their drinking water in the aftermath of the blaze--that danger has now passed, and the water supply at the three developments is safe to drink. [Updated 4/11/06]