Paris, TN – Henry County Medical Center acted quickly and appropriately to a small fire that began on the roof Tuesday afternoon. There were no injuries and no damage to the building, only damage to a vehicle in the Physician Parking Lot located in the back of the hospital.

According to Lisa Casteel, Chief Executive Officer, HCMC was undergoing some roof repairs at the facility. The crew was using a torch on some roof materials and the materials became too hot. To ensure there was no damage to the building or roof, the crew pushed the materials off the roof onto the ground. With it being so dry, grass in the parking lot caught on fire from the materials. Thankfully, staff and a physician, Dr. Ray Compton, responded quickly and effectively, putting the fire out immediately and containing the situation.

“We are so thankful for our staff and Dr. Compton for their quick thinking and action in the situation,” said Casteel. “We are also appreciative to the fire department for responding and ensuring everything was okay with our facility and the area. The only damage reported is that a car in the parking lot. We train for fires and we are so glad that everyone responded appropriately to the situation and that there were no injuries, internal damage, or smoke damage.”

Plant Operations Director, Rob Smith, will continue to monitor the situation and will ensure that all appropriate follow ups and measures are completed related to this incident.

To learn more about Henry County Medical Center, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org.

About Henry County Medical Center

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and 7 other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.