A fire in the Cascade building at Burnaby Hospital Sunday night has impacted several areas of the hospital, Fraser Health said on Monday. All patients and staff are safe and unharmed. Due to impacted air quality in some areas of the hospital, 18 patients have been transferred to other hospitals throughout the Fraser Health network with the support of BC Emergency Health Services and Burnaby RCMP and Fire departments.

Fraser Health said it continues to assess the damage to the site and, for the time being, it has temporarily closed the Burnaby Hospital Emergency Department. People who require urgent care are asked to visit neighbouring hospital emergency departments and the Edmonds Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Burnaby for the time being.

While the fire did not damage the Emergency Department, the temporary closure has been put in place to focus on ensuring current patients, staff, and medical staff are safe. The essential visitors policy will be strictly enforced at this time, Fraser Health said.

If a community member arrives at Burnaby Hospital Emergency Department they will be triaged to the nearest hospital. BC Emergency Health Services will temporarily divert patients to neighbouring hospitals. Labouring mothers who present to Burnaby Hospital will be assessed and admitted as required.

“We will notify our community as soon as the Emergency Department is open again,” Fraser Health said.