04-16-2013 Small Fire Forces Evacuation at Memorial Hospital

Battalion Chief Charles Patton said construction workers were using cutting torches to remove a temporary walkway to the second floor of the Chattanooga Heart Institute building when a rubber gasket caught on fire. The resulting smoke drifted into the building, setting off the smoke alarms. Memorial Hospital spokesperson Lisa McCluskey said the staff reacted quickly, evacuating approximately 28 patients safely to other parts of the building. There were no injuries to the staff or patients.

Chief Patton said the construction workers used portable fire extinguishers to put out the small fire. There was no damage to the building. After confirming that the fire was out, firefighters used high-powered fans to ventilate the building. Ms. McCluskey said they are in the process of reopening rooms that were evacuated, and the emergency department and operating rooms are all operating as normal.

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