UCI Medical Center’s emergency department evacuated, closed after reports of smoke
UCI Medical Center’s emergency department was evacuated and about 75 patients moved to other parts of the hospital after smoke was reported early Tuesday morning, July 23.
At about 2:10 a.m., smoke was noticed in the basement below the emergency department, said UCI Medical Center spokesman John Murray.
Facility workers and firefighters determined the smoke was caused by oil that leaked from a vacuum air pump in a maintenance room, Murray said.
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No injuries were reported, and there was no structural damage.
“UCI Health staff train to prepare for events like this, activated emergency protocols and acted quickly to ensure the safety of the patients in our care,” Murray said in a statement.
Crews were working to clean the department and install more air filters to remove lingering smoke or odor.
As of 6 a.m. the emergency department was still closed and ambulances were being directed to other hospitals.
It was unclear when it would reopen.
The medical center is at The City Drive and Chapman Avenue in Orange.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.