KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Bustamante Hospital for Children has been temporarily closed due to a fire inside the unit last night.

According to a news release from the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), preliminary reports indicate that the fire occurred at approximately 7:15 pm in the consultant’s room, but was quickly contained by staff members using an extinguisher.

The fire department was also called to the hospital for further assistance.

Four patients who were being cared for in the ICU were immediately evacuated to another section of the hospital. SERHA said these patients were not affected by the fire; however, they are currently being monitored by hospital staff.

One member of staff was treated for smoke inhalation, SERHA said.

An assessment of the damage caused by the fire will commence immediately so that repair work can be done in order for the ICU to be reopened in the shortest time possible, the release stated.

In light of the closure, all future paediatric ICU patients will be facilitated at the University Hospital of the West Indies until the Bustamante Hospital for Children’s ICU is reopened.

SERHA also thanked the staff at the Bustamante Hospital for Children for their valiant efforts to preserve and protect the lives of the patients during the incident.