At 1.30 am today a fire broke out in the old Waipukurau Hospital on Porangahau Road Waipukurau. Fire appliances from around the district attended the blaze and were able to contain the fire to the old Operating Theatre building, Fisher Block and the Mclean Block, all three buildings were extensively damaged.

Thirty residents close to the old hospital site were evacuated by the Police to the Waipukurau Memorial Hall due to concerns over potentially hazardous material in the smoke from the fire. All evacuated residents have since been able to return to their homes.

Smoke inhalation from the burning of harmless material is the only potential health risk associated with the fire at the former Waipukurau hospital today (January 25), Hawke's Bay District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Nicholas Jones said.

Dr Jones said there was no evidence of asbestos or any other hazardous material involved in the blaze, but nearby residents should avoid any outdoor activity especially if they had a respiratory condition such as emphysema or asthma.

Smoke from the fire could possibly cause a sore or dry throat, cough or wheeze, shortness of breath, watery eyes, headache or tiredness. Anyone who experienced those symptoms should seek medical attention from their doctor.

Ash deposits from the burning of non-hazardous material were not usually harmful but residents could reduce their exposure by re-washing any clothing left outside during the fire, wipe all food preparation surfaces with a clean damp cloth and dispose of the cloth in the rubbish, wash or peel any home-grown fruit or vegetables before cooking or eating raw.

Mayor Trish Giddens said "it is very distressing to see the old hospital ending its day like this, first the vandalism and graffiti then this fire. A lot of people have worked or been cared for in this facility in the past, and its wanton destruction is being felt by the district"

Anyone with any further health concerns related to the fire could contact the Environmental Health Officer at the Central Hawke's Bay District Council on 06 857 8060 or the Public Health Unit 06 834 1815 and ask for the on-call Health Protection Officer.

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For further media information please call:      

Shelley Burne-Field, Communications Officer, Central Hawke's Bay District Council 0685 78060

Authorised by Chief Executive: John Freeman