KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A fire alarm at the Ben Atchley State Veterans Home caused an evacuation of the facility late Wednesday night.

Everyone was let back into the nursing home shortly after 11:00 p.m. when fire crews were unable to locate an actual fire.

Reports from the scene indicate area fire departments were initially dispatched to One Veterans Way about 10:00 p.m. for a kitchen fire. Once on scene they determined there was not a fire in the kitchen, and crews started searching each individual room for signs of smoke.

While they searched, the facility was evacuated and staff members set up a “shelter in place” outside in the parking lot. Authorities told Volunteer TV News the evacuation was part of the nursing home’s standard operating procedure during a possible fire. Residents were taken to the parking lot on beds and in wheelchairs, where staff members wrapped them in blankets to keep them warm.

Fire crews then reportedly moved from room to room, even searching above ceiling tiles to find out what may have caused the alarm. They gave staff members the “all clear” once they were able to conclude it was a false alarm.

Staff members began taking residents back to their rooms just after 11:00 p.m.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Ben Atchley State Veterans Home has been evacuated due to a fire.

Authorities aren't saying much.

Reports from the scene indicate a kitchen fire was reported about 10:00 Wednesday night.

A command post and "shelter in place" area has been set up.