Quick evacuation, rapid response help contain fire at hospital in Kozhikode

A major fire outbreak at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode was swiftly brought under control on Saturday (November 29, 2025) morning following the timely intervention of Fire and Rescue Services personnel and hospital security guards. All patients admitted in the nearby affected zones, along with their bystanders, were evacuated as rapid firefighting efforts contained the blaze within an hour.

Hospital sources said the fire was detected around 9 a.m. on the ninth floor. According to Fire and Rescue Services officials, the incident occurred when welding work was under way at the air-conditioning plant. Four units from various stations joined the operation, preventing the fire from spreading to other floors.

The hospital authorities said their strict adherence to the scientific evacuation protocol and coordinated efforts between medical staff, security personnel, and rescue teams ensured the safe exit of all occupants. They also added that the patients’ cooperation and the support from the government functionaries helped them manage the unexpected crisis smoothly.

“A major relief was that the fire broke out in a non-patient care area. Within minutes after receiving the fire alert, we were able to evacuate all from the eighth floor following the standard rescue protocol,” said a nurse who was present at the spot. She said the hospital resumed normal functioning within a few hours after the successful firefighting.

In the aftermath of the incident, rescue officials said a comprehensive safety audit would be conducted again in the hospital building to ensure patients’ safety and rule out any violation of safety guidelines. They added experts from the Electrical Inspectorate would also examine the area to check the reasons that triggered the fire.