WOOD RIVER — Sparks and smoke were reported at Bria of Wood River, a long-term care facility at 393 Edwardsville Road, prompting a prompt response from the Wood River Fire Department on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4, 2025.
At 3:01 p.m. Dec. 4, 2025, the Wood River Fire Department, located nearby, received the call and immediately dispatched firefighters to the scene. The East Alton Fire Department also responded to assist.
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Upon arrival, firefighters found that Bria staff had effectively managed the situation by tending to residents and relocating them to unaffected rooms. Firefighters extinguished the area where the spark and smoke had occurred and conducted a thorough assessment until the issue was fully resolved.
“We also assessed personnel who were involved from Bria to make sure they were OK,” said a spokesperson for the Wood River Fire Department.
There were no injuries in the situation, Stahlhut said.
“The Bria staff did an outstanding job with the situation,” Stahlhut added. “We are thankful it wasn’t any worse than what it was, and everyone was safe.”
The incident caused smoke and wall damage in the affected area of Bria of Wood River. According to the fire department, Bria will need to clean and repair the damaged section before reopening that part of the facility, Chief Stahlhut said.
