UPDATE: An electrical fire at Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) has caused significant disruption, prompting the evacuation of pediatric patients and the suspension of visitations. The incident occurred on the third floor around 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday, following a severe power fluctuation that affected hospital operations.
Officials confirm that the fire, characterized by “sparks and smoke” according to GMH acting spokesperson Melissa Quinata-Ronquillo, did not result in any injuries. A quick response from a hospital employee who used a fire extinguisher contained the blaze, but GMH switched to generator power for approximately one hour as emergency services responded.
The hospital’s third floor houses critical units, including the medical-surgery unit, hemodialysis, respiratory, and telemetry wards. Firefighters from the Guam Fire Department (GFD) arrived on the scene shortly after the report. Lt. Nick Garrido stated, “We did get a scent” of smoke but found no active flames or smoke upon arrival. Multiple GFD units remained on-site until around 4 p.m. to ensure safety and assess air quality.
Quinata-Ronquillo indicated that the air handling unit in the pediatrics ward failed due to the unstable power supply, necessitating the relocation of pediatric patients to a safer area within the facility. Visitation to the pediatrics ward will likely remain suspended throughout the day as officials assess the damage and determine the need for equipment replacement.
The cause of the power fluctuation remains under investigation, and the Guam Power Authority has not yet provided a statement regarding the situation. This is not the first time GMH has faced electrical issues; an electrical fire occurred after Typhoon Mawar in 2023, which previously shut down the hospital cafeteria.
As of now, GMH’s computer systems and internet services have resumed normal operations. Hospital authorities are keenly aware of the need for updated electrical infrastructure, as GMH’s electrical panel has been in use since at least 1986.
Next Steps: Officials are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops. Patients and families are advised to stay informed through GMH’s official channels for any changes regarding operations and visitation policies.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story.
