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.
Crisis ward for smoke inhalation
Fire crews located a small fire in an inpatient ward bed and quickly extinguished the flames
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.
Extinguish the fire
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," said Duty Commander - John Moore, adding "They were outstanding and it was clear the safety of the patients was their priority."
Fire crews declared the scene safe by 3 am. Firefighters have identified a discarded cigarette as the cause of the blaze.
