A fire alarm at Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake forced residents to evacuate the building and fire fighters to respond.

The Winona Lake Fire Department, with full assistance from Warsaw and Pierceton, were called to the Wooster Road complex at approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday. According to Winona Lake Fire Chief Mitch Titus, a dehumidifier malfunctioned and resulted in heavy smoke.

Firefighters worked quickly to prevent a fire and residents were moved out of the building. Jeff Carroll, CEO of Grace Village, said dehumidifier was in a meeting room – also known as a quiet room – between the nursing wing and the assisted living quarters.

No one was injured in the event. Titus said smoke damage is estimated at about $20,000.