Woman Questioned After Fire At Southampton Hospital

14 March 2014, 10:03

A 36-year-old woman from Fareham has been arrested on suspicion of arson, after a fire at a hospital in Southampton.

30 patients had to evacuate a mental health unit on Wednesday night (12 March). Hampshire firefighters were called to the Royal South Hants Hospital just after 7.10pm and discovered a fire on a ground floor ward in the Antelope House building.

Around 30 patients were moved from the ward to a different part of the building. The fire was then quickly contained and extinguished using jets and ventilation fans.

Four people were treated for minor smoke inhalation by South Central Ambulance Service, while one required further treatment. She was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said:

"Hampshire Constabulary is investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire at Antelope House on Brintons Terrace in Southampton between 7pm and 8pm on Wednesday 12 March.

"Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has determined that the most likely cause is a deliberate act.

"A 36-year-old woman from Fareham has been released on bail pending further enquiries."

HFRS Station Manager Rob Cole said:

"With assistance from the hospital staff, we were able to move patients a safe distance from the fire.

"The fire was relatively small but using the fans we were able to contain the flames and smoke within the ward and prevent any spread to the rest of the floor or building.

"There was a small amount of fire damage to the affected ward and smoke damage to around a quarter of it. The fast work of the crews prevented any further damage to the rest of the hospital."

Around 40 firefighters from St Mary's, Hightown and Redbridge dealt with the fire, which was out by 8.23pm.