Fire incident at WCH

On Saturday evening (4th February 2023) Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) received notification of a fire on the hospital grounds of West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. 

On arrival the initial Fire and Rescue crews found a three story temporary structure involved in fire. 

The structure which was on fire can be best described as stacked portacabins which were being used by building contractors. 

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Officers identified that the incident required five fire appliances and specialist fire appliances including the aerial ladder platform, the Joint Incident Command Unit and the welfare vehicle also attending the incident to support with firefighting operations.

A Joint Emergency Services meeting took place at midnight last night which included management representatives from West Cumberland Hospital. 

There has been no direct impact on the hospital building from the fire or smoke, and the ‘stay put’ policy for patients remains in place. It is also my understanding that nobody was hurt.

Response to the incident has been led by FRS working closely with partners.