Contractors accidentally cause fire at CMH
NORWICH – Sparks created by contractors replacing a large machine were the cause of a fire at Chenango Memorial Hospital Tuesday.
Vern Harris, owner of Vern Harris Rigging Co. of Port Leyden, said his men were using a torch to cut away rusted bolts in the medical waste disposal area when sparks flew underneath part of the industrial shredder they were replacing, lighting waste paper and plastic on fire and sending a column of thick smoke into the air during the lunch hour that could be seen throughout the city.
Harris said he and his workers were unable to put out the flames themselves.
“Our fire extinguishers couldn’t get to it,” Harris said.
Although heavy smoke created by burning plastic billowed from the structure, the fire was relatively small, City of Norwich firefighters said. They were able to extinguish the blaze almost immediately.
“The fire was out pretty quick,” said firefighter Tracy Chawgo. “There was just a lot of smoldering to take care of after.”
The structure where the fire occurred, located off the hospital’s west side, is not directly connected to the main building.
There were no injuries and minimal damage was reported Tuesday.
When the call first came in, it was believed the fire had started in the hospital’s basement, which would have created a dire situation, Norwich Fire Captain Jeff Steward acknowledged.
“Our first concern was the well-being of the patients,” said Steward.
Officials from CMH were unavailable Wednesday morning before press time to comment on any damages or courses of action related to the fire.
Vern Harris, owner of Vern Harris Rigging Co. of Port Leyden, said his men were using a torch to cut away rusted bolts in the medical waste disposal area when sparks flew underneath part of the industrial shredder they were replacing, lighting waste paper and plastic on fire and sending a column of thick smoke into the air during the lunch hour that could be seen throughout the city.
Harris said he and his workers were unable to put out the flames themselves.
“Our fire extinguishers couldn’t get to it,” Harris said.
Although heavy smoke created by burning plastic billowed from the structure, the fire was relatively small, City of Norwich firefighters said. They were able to extinguish the blaze almost immediately.
“The fire was out pretty quick,” said firefighter Tracy Chawgo. “There was just a lot of smoldering to take care of after.”
The structure where the fire occurred, located off the hospital’s west side, is not directly connected to the main building.
There were no injuries and minimal damage was reported Tuesday.
When the call first came in, it was believed the fire had started in the hospital’s basement, which would have created a dire situation, Norwich Fire Captain Jeff Steward acknowledged.
“Our first concern was the well-being of the patients,” said Steward.
Officials from CMH were unavailable Wednesday morning before press time to comment on any damages or courses of action related to the fire.
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