A fire erupted at Jefferson Hospital in Pennsylvania at around 11:30 AM local time, originating from the building’s roof. The blaze was promptly managed by firefighters, who quickly brought it under control. The fire was reported to have started through the air handling system on the hospital’s upper floors.
According to CBS News, the fire began during a welding operation, which ignited insulation and caused smoke to spread throughout the hospital. Fortunately, the fire did not significantly impact patient care areas, though some floors experienced smoke damage. The affected areas were ventilated to clear the smoke.
In response to the fire, the hospital took precautionary measures by relocating patients from its emergency department. These measures were temporary and intended to ensure patient safety. Once the fire was under control and the smoke cleared, the hospital was able to resume normal operations.
No injuries were reported among patients or staff, and the fire was contained within a limited timeframe. The swift response by the fire crews and emergency medical services was praised by hospital officials.
Three construction workers suffered from smoke inhalation and received medical treatment, but their conditions were not severe. The cause of the fire was deemed accidental, according to the latest reports.
Bill Toland, the AHN public relations director, emphasized the importance of the rapid response by fire crews, noting that having more resources on-site than needed was preferable. His statement reflected relief at the effective management of the incident.
The hospital’s statement reassured the public that patient safety was a top priority and that measures were in place to mitigate any potential risks. The emergency response demonstrated the hospital’s preparedness for such incidents.
Following the incident, the hospital expressed gratitude for the efforts of the emergency responders and the cooperation of all involved. Their swift actions helped prevent a potentially more serious situation.
Jefferson Hospital is now working to ensure that all systems are fully operational and that any residual effects of the fire are addressed. The focus remains on maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff as normalcy is restored.
