Fire crews and staff safely evacuate hospital ward during blaze - Lithgow
Published: 01 Sep 2023 03:20pm
Senior firefighters are planning to recommend medical staff and members of the public for commendations following an overnight fire in a ward at Lithgow Hospital in the state's Central Tablelands.
Around 11.45 last night, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Lithgow and Lithgow West fire stations responded to an alarm at the hospital.
When the firefighters arrived, they were confronted by patients, visitors and staff rushing from a ward.
The fire crews assisted hospital workers with further evacuations.
At least 30 people were guided to safety.
Two visitors to the hospital were treated in the emergency ward for smoke inhalation and later released.
Fire crews located a small fire in an inpatient ward bed and quickly extinguished the flames.
FRNSW Duty Commander, John Moore, said it was evident that medical staff had tried to extinguish the fire, using containers of water, sourced from a bathroom.
"It's my intention to recommend the staff involved and a couple of members of the public, who assisted, for commendations for their swift actions and efforts to clear the ward of patients and visitors," Duty Commander Moore said.
"They were outstanding and it was clear the safety of the patients was their priority."
Fire crews declared the scene safe by 3am.
Firefighters have identified a discarded cigarette as the cause of the blaze.
Updated: 01 Sep 2023 03:25pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
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Stations nearby
58 Cook Street, Lithgow NSW 2790
36 Rabaul Street, Lithgow (Lithgow West) NSW 2790
1 Cripps Avenue, Wallerawang NSW 2845