A fire in the plant room of Steve Biko Academic Hospital early Saturday morning led to the evacuation of ICU patients as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and relocate 21 patients safely to other wards.

According to the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, the fire was reported at about 00:45 to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC).

“We immediately dispatched firefighting resources from Central Fire Station, Innesdale Fire Station and Hatfield Fire Station to the scene.”

He said these included two fire engines, a ladder, two rapid intervention units, a video unit, a mobile command unit and a district commander’s unit.

“On arrival, the firefighters found that the management and staff members of the hospital had already commenced with the evacuation procedures.

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

Mnguni said on further investigation, the firefighters discovered that the Uninterrupted Power System (UPS), which consists of lithium-ion batteries that serve as a backup system in the case of a power failure, was on fire in the plant room on the 7th floor.

“One of the hospital’s electricians came and isolated the power supply to these batteries to stop them from further damage.”

Firefighters used three mechanical positive pressure ventilation units to eject smoke that was engulfing the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the 6th floor where 20 adult patients and one paediatric patient were evacuated and transferred to ICUs in the other wards of the hospital.

He added that no injuries were reported at this incident.

“The fire was completely extinguished at about 04:42 and the cause has not yet been determined.”

Mnguni urged residents to report any fire or rescue incident, to call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.

“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are, give the correct address, and give your correct contact number so the operator can phone you back should they require doing so.”

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