Urgent: Electrical Fire at Guam Memorial Hospital Prompts Evacuations
UPDATE: An electrical fire broke out at Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on the third floor, causing urgent evacuations and suspension of visitation in the pediatrics ward on July 4, 2023. The incident occurred shortly after 1:35 p.m. due to a significant power fluctuation that also caused a failure in the air handling unit.
Hospital management confirmed that while there were no injuries reported, patients in the pediatrics ward had to be relocated as a precaution. GMH acting spokesperson Melissa Quinata-Ronquillo stated that the air handling unit malfunction was linked to an unstable power supply, which also led to “sparks and smoke” on the third floor.
Firefighters from the Guam Fire Department (GFD) quickly responded to the scene, with multiple units arriving by 3 p.m.. Lt. Nick Garrido reported that GFD found no flames upon arrival but detected an odor indicating a fire had occurred. “Our personnel are here to ensure everything is safe,” Garrido said, adding that hazmat teams were on-site to assess air quality.
The hospital was temporarily switched to generator power for about an hour while emergency teams managed the situation. By 4 p.m., GMH received the all-clear from GFD, but the pediatrics patients remained in a different section as the damaged air handling unit may require replacement.
Visitation was suspended for the remainder of the day, affecting families hoping to see their loved ones. The hospital’s computer systems and internet services have since been restored, according to Quinata-Ronquillo.
The power fluctuation that triggered this incident is currently under investigation, with the Guam Power Authority yet to respond to inquiries about its cause. GMH has experienced electrical issues before; notably, a fire in 2023 following Typhoon Mawar led to the shutdown of the hospital cafeteria.
As GMH navigates these challenges, the aging electrical panel, in use since 1986, remains a critical concern for hospital leadership. Officials are urging immediate upgrades to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of patients and staff.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
