FAYETTE, MISSOURI — Three individuals lost their lives when flames consumed a residential care facility on Villers Drive early Tuesday morning, according to local fire officials. The blaze at Perkins Residential Care Center was reported around 6:30 a.m. on January 27, 2026, with firefighters arriving approximately ten minutes later to find the structure completely engulfed in flames.
Six people were inside the building when the fire broke out, according to Fayette co-fire chief Steven Morrow. Three residents managed to evacuate safely before emergency responders arrived, while three others perished in the blaze. An employee at the facility detected smoke and contacted emergency services, enabling some occupants to escape, including one woman in a wheelchair, as reported by the Fayette Advertiser.
"When we arrived on scene, it was fully engulfed there was no interior attack from us, it was all exterior," Morrow told ABC 17 News. The volunteer fire department, assisted by the Glasgow Fire District, fought the flames defensively due to the intensity of the fire. The blaze was brought under control by approximately 8:00 a.m., though crews remained on scene managing hot spots until around 2:00 p.m. The building was deemed a complete loss.
"We've seen total losses, but not with the fatalities," co-fire chief Gary Kunze said.
One victim has been identified as 63-year-old Marcia Lyon, an employee at the facility. Lyon's brother, Novy Foland, described her as selfless and dedicated to helping others. "One thing I can tell you about Marcia is she had one of the biggest hearts ever, always caring about everybody else, sacrificing her own time and plans to help take care of others," Foland said. He added that witnesses suggested Lyon may have been attempting to rescue residents when she died. "Her work ethic was unmatched, and it doesn't surprise me that she got some people out and was going in to save others."
Lyon's daughter, Shauna Lyon, remembered her mother as devoted to family and community. "My mom was truly one of a kind. She was a hard worker and loved her grandkids. She loved to go on trips and spend time with family. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. She will be deeply missed."
The identities of the two other victims had not been publicly released as of Tuesday evening.
Facility Background and Oversight
The facility operated as an individualized supported living (ISL) home certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, not a licensed nursing home. According to department spokeswoman Debra Walker, the facility received certification in 2024 with no fire safety or environmental concerns identified during that review. ISL facilities undergo recertification every two years under state regulations.
The Department of Mental Health oversees these residential care settings, which provide supported living services for individuals who need assistance with daily activities. Unlike nursing homes regulated by federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, ISL facilities fall under state mental health department jurisdiction.
A 2023 federal review of individualized supported living facilities across Missouri identified areas where oversight could be strengthened. The report noted that state regulations do not require providers to conduct periodic background checks on staff after initial hiring. Reviewers also found some facilities lacked complete documentation related to staff training programs and performance reviews, though it is unclear whether these findings applied to the Perkins facility specifically.
Jamie Wilhoit, listed as owner and administrator of Perkins ISL, declined to comment on Tuesday, according to ABC 17 News.
Investigation Underway
The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of the fire. As of Tuesday afternoon, officials had not released information about the fire's origin or whether smoke detectors or other safety systems were functioning at the time of the incident.
The rapid spread of the fire and the early morning timing presented significant challenges for the volunteer fire department serving this community of approximately 2,700 residents. "It's very difficult, we're a completely volunteer department, so it's a small community," Morrow said.
The Glasgow Fire District provided mutual aid assistance during the emergency response.
Resources for Families
Families with loved ones in residential care facilities can contact the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center at 1-800-677-1116 for assistance with concerns about care quality or safety. The ombudsman program provides free advocacy services for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Residents or family members who observe safety violations or have concerns about a care facility can file complaints with the Missouri Department of Mental Health or contact local fire safety officials.
Additional information about selecting and monitoring residential care facilities is available through the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center website at https://ltcombudsman.org.
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