Andover Fire Rescue Supports Lexington Mutual-Aid Operation

Andover, Mass. — October 24, 2026 — Andover Fire Rescue Ambulance 2 responded to Lexington to assist with the evacuation of more than 130 residents from CareOne at Lexington after a major power failure created unsafe conditions inside the nursing and rehabilitation facility.

The Lexington Fire Department coordinated the response, with fire and EMS agencies from across the region helping move residents from the building on Lowell Street. Ambulance crews and transport vans assisted with transfers to neighboring care facilities, while some residents were picked up by family members. A small number of residents who needed acute care were taken to a hospital as a precaution.

The building faced power issues days before the evacuation. Authorities instructed the plant to be powered down as technicians and utility staff investigated the reason. The Long-Term Care Mutual Aid Plan in Massachusetts was used to facilitate transfers to other nursing facilities. 

Andover Fire Rescue reported that its team worked alongside many fire departments and EMS groups in a joint operation to move residents to safety. The department felt pride in aiding its mutual-aid partners. The response also involved state and local agencies, including the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the state Department of Public Health, the Lexington Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.