UPDATE: An electrical fire erupted on the third floor of Guam Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, causing significant disruption without any reported injuries. The fire, along with a separate incident involving a failed air handling unit, led to the evacuation of patients from the pediatrics ward and a suspension of visitations, officials confirmed.
The incidents occurred after a large power fluctuation struck the facility. Melissa Quinata-Ronquillo, acting spokesperson for GMH, stated that the burnt-out air handling unit in the pediatrics ward was linked to the unstable power supply. Meanwhile, on the third floor, there were reports of “sparks and smoke,” prompting immediate action.
A quick-thinking hospital employee extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher as emergency services mobilized. The hospital switched to generator power for approximately one hour while units from the Guam Fire Department (GFD) and the Guam Power Authority responded. GFD spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido reported that emergency responders arrived at around 1:35 PM and found no active flames but detected a scent of smoke.
As multiple GFD units continued to assess the scene, Garrido assured the public, stating, “Our personnel are here to make sure that everything was safe.” By 3 PM, the GFD confirmed that the situation was under control, allowing for a safe working environment.
While the hospital was declared safe, the pediatrics patients were relocated to another section due to the potentially hazardous air handling unit. Quinata-Ronquillo indicated that visitation would likely remain suspended for the remainder of the day as the hospital ensured the safety of its facilities.
In an additional update, the hospital’s computer systems and internet connectivity were restored, allowing for continued operations despite the disruptions. The cause of the earlier power fluctuation is still unclear, with GMH’s communications office awaiting further details from the GPA.
This incident follows a history of electrical issues at GMH, including a notable electrical fire that occurred just after Typhoon Mawar devastated the island in 2023, resulting in the shutdown of the hospital cafeteria. Hospital leadership has previously reported that the facility’s aging electrical panel, which has been in use since at least 1986, is in dire need of replacement.
As authorities continue to investigate the incidents, patients and families are urged to stay alert for further updates. The hospital is committed to restoring full services and ensuring the safety of all patients and staff.