Watford General Hospital fire 'believed to be accidental'

Sharing more details, Herts Fire and Rescue said they were called to reports of the fire at 2.17pm and sent four fire engines from Watford, Garston, and Rickmansworth fire stations.

By the time crews arrived at the hospital, in Vicarage Road, the fire was “well developed” in an electrical panel in a basement.

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Breathing apparatus was used and the fire was extinguished by 3.40pm. Fire crews remain at the scene until 5.25pm and ventilated smoke.

As multiple departments were evacuated due to the fire, in the hospital’s H block opposite the main entrance, blood clinic, dermatology, renal services, and ophthalmology appointments had to be rescheduled.

Blood clinic outpatient appointments have been relocated to the outpatients department in PMOK block (the main building) but the clinic will run as normal.

After the fire, a West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust statement said: “We would like to thank our all staff, police and fire and rescue service colleagues and partner organisations for their prompt and efficient response.”

The hospital added that it was set to contact patients whose appointments were cancelled to reschedule.