Dozens of staff and patients have been forced to evacuate a New England hospital that caught fire this morning.
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Emergency services were called to the Emmaville hospital on Thursday morning after a burnt-out fluorescent light set a small fire in a hallway in the building.
The fire forced the evacuation of 30 people from the building, which is part of the Vegetable Creek Multi-Purpose Service.
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The Emmaville Rural Fire Service brigade, which is based next door, contained the blaze to a hallway before Glen Innes Fire and Rescue crews arrived at the hospital at 7.20am. The fire was under control just ten minutes later.
Glen Innes Fire and Rescue captain Earl Sharman said the fire caused no structural damage to the building.
"The results of the investigation concluded that the small fire was caused as a result of the burnt out ballast in a fluorescent lighting unit," he said.
The smoke triggered the alarm causing the hospital to undergo its evacuation process.
"All occupants were evacuated safely with no injuries," Mr Sharman said.
"The evacuation process conducted by the hospital was done well, good result from all services involved."
After finding the source of the fire the light fitting was isolated, and the smoke was ventilated from the building. The air quality was then tested to ensure it was safe before allowing patients and staff to return.
"The fire was under control by 7.30am. With the RFS located next to the hospital there was a quick response time," he said.
