Fire at Steve Biko Hospital: 21 patients evacuated

The fire was reported just after midnight.

Tshwane EMS spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni said firefighting crews were dispatched immediately after the report of the fire was received.

Resources were assigned from 3 fire stations, including 2 fire trucks, rapid response unit, ladder and command units.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found that hospital management and staff had already begun evacuation procedures.

“Firefighters immediately began firefighting operations and also assisted in the evacuation of patients and staff to other wards of the hospital that were not affected by the fire,” Mnguni said.

Mnguni said the fire originated in the factory room on the 7th floor, where lithium-ion batteries in the Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) caught fire.

“Batteries act as a backup system in case of a power outage.

“One of the hospital’s electricians came and cut off the power supply to prevent further damage to these batteries,” he adds.

Mnguni said firefighters used three mechanical ventilation units to move smoke away from affected areas.

While there were no injuries during the fire, all patients and staff were evacuated safely.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

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