UPDATE: An electrical fire on the third floor of Guam Memorial Hospital has triggered immediate evacuations and suspended visitations, hospital officials confirmed just moments ago. The incident occurred on July 25, 2023, following significant power fluctuations that also caused failures in the HVAC system for the pediatrics ward.
According to acting spokesperson Melissa Quinata-Ronquillo, the fire, which produced “sparks and smoke,” was quickly extinguished by a hospital employee using a fire extinguisher around 1:35 p.m. Emergency teams from the Guam Fire Department (GFD) and Guam Power Authority promptly responded to the scene. GFD spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido reported that while no flames were found upon arrival, crews detected a burning odor and took immediate action to ensure safety.
Patients in the pediatrics ward were relocated due to a malfunctioning air handling unit, which was damaged by the unstable power supply. Hospital management has announced that patients will remain in a different section until a replacement unit can be secured.
As of 4:00 p.m., GFD confirmed the area was safe for operations, and hospital computer systems and internet connectivity were restored. However, visitation remains suspended for the remainder of the day as safety protocols are reviewed.
This incident raises serious concerns about the hospital’s aging electrical infrastructure, which has been in use since at least 1986. Just last year, an electrical fire caused by similar issues shut down the hospital cafeteria following Typhoon Mawar.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the power fluctuations that led to these incidents, and the hospital is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients and staff.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
